Statement of President Joe Biden On the Passing of Eugene Peltola, Jr. | The White HouseSkip to contentYou have JavaScript disabled. Please enable JavaScript to use this feature.Toggle High Contrast Toggle High Contrast Toggle Large Font Size Toggle Large Font Size The White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search term SearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search term SearchSeptember 13, 2023 Statement of President Joe Biden On the Passing of Eugene Peltola, Jr. Home Briefing Room Statements and Releases Jill and I send our love and prayers to Congresswoman Mary Sattler Peltola on the sudden death of her husband, Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola, Jr., earlier today in a plane accident in Alaska.Back in May, Mary and Buzzy hosted Jill during a visit to a rural high school in their hometown of Bethel, Alaska. On Monday, Mary and their daughter Kaeli joined me during a visit with troops stationed in Anchorage to commemorate the twenty-second anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation.Spend even a minute with Mary and you’ll feel the love she has for her state and its people, and most of all, the love she has for her husband and their seven children. Buzzy was a devoted public servant and in the tributes coming from all over the state today, he is being remembered as a friend to all. But we know he was, first and always, the adored and devoted husband and father to a family now in pain.On Monday, Mary flew back with me to Washington on Air Force One with the whole world ahead of her. Today, I spoke with her with that world shattered in shock and sadness. To the family – such a loss is cruel and unfair, and the first hours, days, and weeks will be the hardest. But we hope you remember that he will always be with you. And we pray the day will come when his memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes. It will take time, but that day will come.In the difficult time ahead, we keep you in our prayers.May God bless Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola, Jr.### Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Twitterhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/13/statement-of-president-joe-biden-on-the-passing-of-eugene-peltola-jr/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top
