Victim’s names emerging in fatal plane crash near Nome
By Leah Thom
Published: Feb. 7, 2025 at 7:36 PM PST|Updated: 2 hours ago

NOME, Alaska (KTUU) - Two passengers aboard the plane that crashed near Nome have been identified as employees of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC).

The passengers, Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, both worked in utility operations for ANTHC as part of the Division of Environmental Health and Engineering team.

They were traveling to Unalakleet to service a heating system that is critical to their water plant, according to ANTHC organization leaders.

Leaders of ANTHC released the flowing statements in a press release on Friday evening:

“We have a very close team here at ANTHC’s Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, and we experienced the unthinkable today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kameron and Rhone’s families and all others who have experienced the pain of this tragedy. We’re passionate about what we do and who we help, and we show up every day with passion and purpose. Our work doesn’t always make the front page of the newspaper. Kameron and Rhone didn’t seek that sort of notoriety. They were motivated by a deep commitment to our mission. They had the skills to help people across Alaska and the devotion to do so under any conditions. These two members of our team lost their lives serving others. The loss of these two incredible individuals and everyone else on board the plane will be felt all over Alaska.”

David Beveridge, ANTHC Vice President of Environmental Health & Engineering
“Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson were passionate about the work they did, cared deeply for the communities they served, and made a lasting impact on rural communities across our state. They were the best at what they did and had just flown into Unalakleet to help address heating and mechanical issues in the depths of winter. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for the people we serve in the work we do. Everyone at ANTHC feels a sense of shock and loss because they were so crucial to our Rural Energy and Tribal Support teams. My thoughts are with their families, the people who worked alongside them day in and day out, and for everyone else who lost a loved one today.”

Natasha Singh, ANTHC Interim President and CEO