Former US Rep. Mary Peltola filed a civil lawsuit Friday in Bethel Superior Court, possibly seeking damages related to the plane crash that killed her husband, Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr. on Sept. 12, 2023.
The lawsuit names defendants Bruce Werba, a registered master guide, and Alaska Pike Safari’s and Wilderness Adventures LLC, owned by Werba. Neitz Aviation, is also named in the complaint. Frank Neitz is the former owner of Arctic Circle Air.
Peltola’s husband died during a guided moose hunting trip along the Yukon River in 2023. The small plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff from a remote wilderness camp. The accident drew national attention and widespread condolences, as Peltola was serving in Congress at the time.
The case, assigned to Bethel Superior Court Judge William Montgomery, was filed through Bethel attorney Myron E. Angstman and Anchorage attorney Russell L. Winner. Peltola is demanding a jury trial.
While the precise allegations are unknown to Must Read Alaska, the filing has a mark of someone seeking restitution for her husband’s death.
Werba, through his guiding business, conducts annual Yukon moose hunts. Neitz, known for decades of bush flying experience, previously owned a cargo airline before running his current aviation operation.
Bethel is one of the few jurisdictions in America known for high jury awards and it is a venue that plaintiffs’ lawyer prefer for that reason. In the courts, her claim to Buzzy Peltola’s estate is still open, and will likely be open for some time, at least until this matter is settled.
Peltola has been rumored to be preparing to run for statewide office, but these lawsuits throw that rumor into doubt.
