Former Bethel Mayor Eric Middlebrook And Three Passengers Remembered After Piper PA-24 Went Down In Seldovia Slough
Eric Middlebrook, 68, died Wednesday, August 26, 2026, after a Piper PA-24 aircraft went down in Seldovia Slough near Seldovia, Alaska.
Middlebrook piloted the aircraft from Anchorage toward Seldovia with Ronald Schmidt, 65, Lance Schmidt, 20, and Daniel Simons, 82, who also died.
The aircraft entered about 15 feet of tidal water shortly after 1 p.m., and responders waited for safer conditions before recovery crews reached the submerged cabin around 6:30 p.m.
Middlebrook had served as mayor of Bethel and built a long reputation across Alaska as a pilot and repair professional who helped remote communities maintain essential appliances.
Residents remembered Middlebrook as approachable, practical, and deeply connected to the people and places served through years of travel across challenging terrain.
Officials continued reviewing the aircraft, flight records, and related details as families and communities prepared to honor those who died.
Related