ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") continue to respond to the crash of a GCI-owned aircraft last night near Dillingham, GCI President and CEO Ron Duncan released the following statement:

"This accident claimed the lives of Alaska's great champion, Senator Ted Stevens, and other individuals who distinguished themselves through public and private service to this state and our nation. I want to express the profound sorrow felt at GCI over the loss of such good friends.

"We are deeply grateful to the search-and-rescue professionals and the many good Samaritans who responded so quickly and rendered assistance to the injured passengers.

"On behalf of the men and women of GCI, I offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends dealing with this heartbreaking event. We will do all we can to support them in the weeks and months ahead."

Duncan added that the identification of victims will be handled by the Alaska State Troopers pending notification of next-of-kin. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be handled by the NTSB.

Additional updates from GCI will occur throughout the day. Please call 907-561-4488 for media information.

SOURCE GCI