Alaska Plane Crash Claims 10 Lives, Health Workers Identified

Two utility workers from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, were among the ten victims of a plane crash that occurred on February 6 near Nome, Alaska. The Bering Air plane was en route from Unalakleet when it disappeared from radar, reportedly suffering a rapid loss in altitude before crashing into Norton Sound. Both men were on a work trip to address heating and mechanical issues for rural communities during harsh winter conditions. ANTHC's interim president, Natasha Singh, highlighted their dedication to public health and the profound loss felt by their community. Recovery efforts for the wreckage and victims have been complicated by severe weather, with search teams continuing to work amid challenging conditions. Local officials and residents have expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community deeply affected by the tragedy.