Biden releases statement on death of Alaska Representative’s husband: ‘Such a loss is cruel and unfair’

President Biden mourned the loss of Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola, the husband of Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), in a statement Wednesday.

“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,” Biden said. “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.”

Buzzy died following a plane accident early Wednesday, Peltola’s office announced. He previously served as the regional director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Biden remarked that first lady Jill Biden met Buzzy during a visit to Alaska in May.

The president was with Peltola on Monday during a visit to Alaska. She flew with the President on Air Force One back to Washington.

“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,” Biden said. “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,” he added.