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A plane crash yesterday in southwestern Alaska claimed the lives of five passengers, one of which was former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska).

Among the four others who survived was Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America CEO and former NASA chief and Navy secretary.

The plane was en route to a private fishing lodge when it went down near a remote mountainside. O’Keefe was listed in critical condition and Kevin O’Keefe, his son who was also on board, in serious condition at an Anchorage hospital, The Associated Press reported.

Stevens, 86, served Alaska as a senator for 40 years until 2008. He is best remembered for his large role in shaping modern Alaska with federal laws and billions in federal dollars. He became the longest-serving Republican in Senate history three years ago.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Congress rest with the family, friends, and loved ones of Senator Ted Stevens,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “He was a proud public servant, dedicated to his family and committed to his community. In the Senate, he always stood up for the state of Alaska.”

In 1978, Stevens survived a plane crash in Alaska that killed his first wife.