Authorities name 2 killed in plane crash south of Homer that also left 1 hospitalized

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Troopers say two Alaskans are dead and one is injured after a Cessna 207 crashed near Nanwalek, south of Homer, on Monday afternoon.

In an update Tuesday morning, the Department of Public Safety identified the two killed in the crash:

• Pilot Daniel Bunker, 48, from Homer
• Jenny Irene Miller, 37, from Anchorage

Bunker, who previously worked for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD), was described as someone who “had an impact on a lot of people.”

“[He is] a guy with a big heart, a love for his family, a love for the community,” KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland said. “Homer and all those Southern Peninsula communities that he flew to ... are suffering a big, big loss right now.”

Miller, an artist based in Anchorage, was traveling to Nanwalek as a teaching artist through the Bunnell Street Arts Center’s Artist in Schools program.

She also served on the board of Native Movement, a social justice nonprofit.

“Her work has left a lasting mark on our organization and on all of her Native Movement family and collaborators,” Native Movement Executive Director Enei Begaye wrote in a statement. “Jenny was a cherished friend to so many, and her kindness, generosity, humor, and wisdom will be missed dearly.”

The commercial flight operated by Smokey Bay Air from Homer went down around 2 p.m., according to Clint Johnson with the NTSB. Johnson also confirmed there were three people on board, including the pilot.

The injured passenger was medevaced to an Anchorage area hospital with “serious” injuries, according to Austin McDaniel with the department.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy released a statement Tuesday morning, sharing his condolences with the families.

“The first lady and I are heartbroken by the tragic plane crash near Nanwalek. We send our deepest condolences to the families of Daniel Bunker and Jenny Miller, and we’re praying for the recovery of the injured passenger,” Dunleavy wrote.

Authorities with the Department of Public Safety and NTSB responded to the scene.

The plane was a regularly scheduled “part 135″ flight according to the NTSB. The plane is registered to the local operator Smokey Bay Air.

This story has been updated with new information.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.