My heart is broken, alongside so many others in our town and across the state, by the unimaginable loss of Daniel Bunker and Jenny Miller in this week’s tragic plane crash. My thoughts are also with the passenger who remains in critical condition in Anchorage, the Smokey Bay Air family, and the community of Nanwalek. This is an incredibly profound loss and tragedy.
Stories are pouring in from around Homer and beyond - stories of Daniel’s kindness, his steady presence in the skies and on the ground. Of Jenny’s fierce brilliance and joy, her impact as a friend, an artist, and a community leader. These were vibrant, deeply loved people who touched so many lives with their passion, humor, and humanity.
In the face of such devastating loss, our community is doing what it does best: showing up for one another. We are gathering in grief, in remembrance, and in strength. We are wrapping our arms around the families, around the kids, partners, and loved ones whose lives are forever changed. And we will continue to show up, again and again, in the weeks and months to come.
We also stand in deep solidarity with the Smokey Bay Air team and their families. The pain and loss they are experiencing as colleagues, friends, and loved ones of Daniel is immeasurable. In Alaska, small planes are an integral part of life. They connect us to each other and to the wider world. Our pilots, air carriers, and aviation professionals are more than transportation providers, they are our friends, our neighbors, and our family. Please know that this community is with you, today and always.
On behalf of the City of Homer, I extend our deepest care and condolences to the Bunker family, to the family of Jenny Miller, to the entire Smokey Bay Air family, and to the community of Nanwalek. As we mourn together, may we also honor their memory by continuing to live with the same love, courage, and generosity they gave so freely to others.
I encourage all who can to donate to Melissa Bunker and the kids, as well as to Jenny’s family, supporting them all as they navigate this incredible loss.
With deepest sympathy and care,
Rachel Lord
Mayor of Homer