Ex-Senator Ted Stevens Confirmed Dead in Alaska Plane Crash

Ex-Senator Ted Stevens, reported earlier as having been a passenger on the plane that crashed in Alaska Monday night, has been confirmed dead.

Alaska Senator's Statement

According to the Associated Press, the former senator died when the plane he was on went down into a remote mountainside in Alaska.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski made the following statement to the press regarding Ted Stevens' passing.

"Last night, Alaska lost a hero and I lost a dear friend," Murkowski said. "His entire life was dedicated to public service from his days as a pilot in World War II to his four decades of service in the United States Senate. He truly was the greatest of the Greatest Generation."

NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe and Son Survive

The New York Daily News reports that while ex-Senator Stevens was killed in the crash, former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe and his son are listed as survivors of the crash.

Sources say Sean O'Keefe actually "tweeted" the news of their survival on Twitter. His "tweet" follows.

"Alive! Sean O'Keefe and son Jonathan survive Alaska plane crash. Broken bones but survivable."

While it is indeed very sad that Ted Stevens was killed in this crash, it is encouraging to learn that Sean O'Keefe and his son have survived. Although no one can put a value on a human life, it can at least be said that Ted Stevens lived to old age. He was 86 years old.

 

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