Ted Stevens Dead

**JayGatz** · 10th August 2010 01:08 PM

Source: POLITICO

Former Sen. Ted Stevens, an icon of Alaska politics who used the influence he gained during 40 years in the Senate to further the interests of his state and its citizens, died Tuesday in a plane crash in a remote part of the state. Stevens was 86.

At least nine people were aboard the flight, and at least five, including Stevens, were killed when the plane went down in inclement weather near Dillingham. A family spokesman, Mitch Rose, confirmed Stevens’ death to POLITICO Tuesday afternoon.

Sad times; though it's strange how he avoided a plane crash where 5 died, and this time the same amount died but he did too.

Thoughts?

**Divine Wind** · 10th August 2010 01:12 PM

Alaska has more plane crashes than any other state in the Union. Particularly nasty weather and very hostile and unforgiving terrain.

**Blueneck** · 10th August 2010 01:29 PM

Condolences to his family and friends.

Do we know who the survivors were yet?

**Divine Wind** · 10th August 2010 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Blueneck

Do we know who the survivors were yet?

I haven't seen a list, but Sean O’Keefe was also on board.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/us...sh.html?src=me

**Granite** · 10th August 2010 02:30 PM

So It Goes.

**HenryPorter** · 10th August 2010 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Divine Wind

Alaska has more plane crashes than any other state in the Union. Particularly nasty weather and very hostile and unforgiving terrain.

And a high amount of small plane activity. Never the less, being liberal I probably would not have been a Stevens supporter but to be critical of the newly deceased just ain't me. For anyone to die this way or by cancer or... is tragic. I am glad there are survivors and I hope they will fully recover. My thoughts go to the families.

**Divine Wind** · 10th August 2010 02:45 PM

An update. O'Keefe and his son have survived, albeit with serious injuries: Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens dies in plane crash - Yahoo! News

Also, this Fox report by everyone's favorite ex-Governor: Sarah Palin Offers Insight on Alaska Plane Crash

**TheHangingChad** · 10th August 2010 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Divine Wind

Alaska has more plane crashes than any other state in the Union. Particularly nasty weather and very hostile and unforgiving terrain.

Yeah, I don't know why people continue to fly there like they do. Hale Boggs died the same way.

**Divine Wind** · 10th August 2010 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by YankeeSpirit

Yeah, I don't know why people continue to fly there like they do. Hale Boggs died the same way.

It's the easiest way to get over a mountain since roads are few and far in between.

BTW, Wiley Post and Will Rogers died in an Alaskan crash.

goldendog · 10th August 2010 03:56 PM

I have flown in similar bush planes over parts of Alaska. Because of the clouds and weather they mostly fly very low weaving between hills and mountains. I remember looking down and seeing several crash sites from previous plane crashes it is very common up there.
A very large portion of the state is only accessable by plane.