In the aftermath of the tragic Bering Air flight crash, Alaskan communities are united in grief. Families and friends of the victims, such as Rachel Frankson, share stories of their loved ones and the impact their loss has had on their lives. Alaskans statewide, even those without direct connections, express their condolences and support for the affected families. Pastors like Curtis Ivanoff highlight the profound sense of loss felt throughout the state, emphasizing the close-knit nature of Alaskan communities and the outpouring of empathy from around the world. Support networks and crisis lines are made available to help Alaskans cope with this devastating event.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Days after the fatal crash of a Bering Air flight, families and friends of those lost are grieving their loved ones, but even Alaska ns without direct relations are still hurting. Rachel Frankson, an Anchorage mother of three, is mourning the loss of her ex-husband of eleven years. Talaluk “TK” Katchatag, 34, was the father of two of her children.
Frankson said Katchatag was living with his father in Unalakleet and traveling on Bering Air flight 445 to receive some medical care in Nome. “It’s a different type of heartbreak as a mom, especially knowing that they just lost their dad,” Frankson said, her children surrounding her on the couch. “We’ve been trying to do our best to cope with this. We share memories. We share the pictures and the videos we have.” Frankson said Katchatag was a big part of her life for more than ten years. She described his love for his children, and reputation in his community. “He would do anything for his parents,” she said. “And he loved his kids, and he always talked to them, always expecting phone calls from him. He was everybody’s friend.” Support from Alaskans has poured in over the days since the plane first went missing. Rural communities such as Noatak, Teller and Golovin all gathered to greet Bering Air pilots landing in their area, holding signs and taking moments to hug and pray for the pilots who transport them in and out of their communities. Curtis Ivanoff, a pastor and superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant, also knew Katchatag. Originally from Unalakleet, Ivanoff said he watched Katchatag grow up in his attendance at bible camp and youth group. ″It’s hard; very painful, knowing his family,” Ivanoff said, adding that he believes all Alaskans are feeling the pain of losing ten of their brothers and sisters. “Because we’re so tight-knit, it is felt all throughout the region, and I can hardly capture how many people were expressing to me their concern and worry.” Ivanoff explained that he’s been receiving text messages not only from Alaskans, but also from a network of pastors around the world. “I’ve gotten messages from fellow pastors in Michigan, and Texas, and Washington, and Minnesota,” he said, “and then even from Sweden. You know, I mean, this is on peoples’ hearts.” Ivanoff said as time progresses and Alaskans continue to grieve, expressing care for each other is the best way to remain united.. The crisis line, available outside regular business hours, can be reached at (907) 443-6411. The non-emergent care team can be contacted at (907) 443-3344
Bering Air Crash Alaska Tragedy Grief Community Support United States
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rescue crews searching for overdue Bering Air plane with 10 aboardThe Bering Air Caravan was reported overdue from its flight from Unalakleet to Nome, authorities said.
Read more »
Search Launched for Missing Bering Air Flight in AlaskaA Cessna Caravan flight operated by Bering Air disappeared en route from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. The flight, carrying 10 people, lost contact with air traffic control at 3:18 p.m. on Thursday while flying at 1,400 feet. Initial ground searches were hampered by weather conditions, but the Coast Guard and air support from Elmendorf Air Force base have joined the effort.
Read more »
Search Underway for Missing Bering Air Caravan FlightAlaska authorities are conducting an extensive search operation for a missing Bering Air Caravan flight that was scheduled to travel from Unalakleet to Nome. The flight was reported overdue on Thursday afternoon, prompting the activation of the Coast Guard and volunteer fire department search teams.
Read more »
Missing Bering Air Caravan Flight Raises Concerns in AlaskaA Bering Air Caravan flight carrying nine passengers and a pilot went missing between Unalakleet and Nome, Alaska. Alaska State Troopers reported the flight overdue at 4 p.m. local time, prompting a Coast Guard response and active ground search efforts.
Read more »
Bering Air Flight Goes Missing Over Alaska: What We KnowThe Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft was flying from Unalakleet, on the western coast of Alaska, to the city of Nome.
Read more »
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway After Bering Air Caravan Disappears Off Alaska CoastA Bering Air caravan carrying 10 people vanished over the Bering Sea while en route from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska. The Alaska State Troopers initiated a search and rescue operation after the flight failed to land on schedule. The U.S. Coast Guard is actively involved in the search, conducting ground searches hampered by weather conditions. A C-130 aircraft and Air Force support are expected to assist in the search efforts.
Read more »