Brookings residents killed in plane crash near Nome, Alaska

We are residents of Elim AK. Our hearts go out to the families of these men. The whole town and surrounding villages were out searching for this plane. It has had a profound effect on our village. We here in Alaska know how quickly weather, seas and wildlife can quickly end someones life. It is a constant reminder for all of us and a reason for relief when our loved ones come back home. The weather was so bad the day the plane came around town. Fog was so thick visability was minamal.
The village children and others have placed memorials at the crash site. These men's lives will be remembered here.
Blessings to all...

My husband and I knew and loved Bruce Harden, the pilot of the plane. We miss him very much and have taken the news of his death very hard. The only thing that brings any peace to the situation is knowing he was doing what he loved. We hope he did not suffer and find peace knowing that there were people out searching for the plane. That maybe all that could be done was. We thank you all for your efforts.

My wife and I knew and loved Bruce Harden. He was a kind, gentle, giving person who took us under his wing here in Portland, Oregon. He was an accomplished pilot with a passion for flying and he loved Alaska.

He will be dearly missed.

Thank you Elim residents, Search and Rescue, and all the volunteers for your efforts.

My family was very close to Bruce, and this is a tragedy that will not only change our lives, but that will change Brookings and every family affected. This world will not be the same place without Bruce in it. I hope that we can all take lessons from the life he lived. He was always happy, always willing to help other people, and made a difference in the lives of every person he met.

Thank you to everyone in Elim who helped in search efforts and placed flowers as a memorial. Knowing that the residents of Elim care so much brings relief to my heart. Thank you to everyone who cares, we will all get through this together, and we will never forget these men.

Thank you to everone in Elim, the Alaska Troopers, and everyone who gave so much for our family member who died in this plane crash.

Bruce will be missed and all of you will be in our prayrs and thoughts.
We can not say enough...

Thank you!

Lonny and Bruce were much loved in our community of Brookings, Oregon and will be forever missed. Bruce and Lonny formed a close friendship while building the plane and will be forever linked together. I want to deeply thank the communities of Alaska for all their efforts in the recovery.
Thank you to Elim for the memorial site. You will be forever in my heart.