Support Travel for Rhone Baumgartner's Loved Ones

Rhone Baumgartner passed away in the Bering Air Flight 445 plane crash on February 6th near Nome. Our family has been working closely with Bering Air, who has very generously offered to cover all funeral expenses and travel expenses for immediate family to attend. We are kindly requesting donations to help cover our other family members and friends who were close to Rhone so we can be together in the wake of this tragedy. Any additional donations received after we have all travel costs covered will be donated to the Resilient Alaska Youth Charity, in honor of Rhone’s selfless and giving spirit.

The family of Rhone Baumgartner would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out with their support, prayers, thoughts, and messages. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness shown to us during these past days. Your words of comfort and compassion have meant more than we can express.

Rhone dedicated his life to serving the people and communities of rural Alaska, particularly along the Kuskokwim River, and in recent years, throughout the state of Alaska. His life & work was a reflection of his deep love, respect and commitment to Alaska’s Native people and traditions, and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives of the many individuals he touched.

Rhone’s life exemplified the Teachings of Baháʼu'lláh, and he strove daily, with courage and humility, to refine his own inner character and serve humanity. He was devoted to his daughter and his nieces and nephews, as well as his parents and siblings.

We also want to acknowledge and thank the first responders, officials, and everyone involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Their dedication in such a heartbreaking situation is deeply appreciated.

As we mourn his loss, we hold on to the knowledge that his spirit of selflessness, sacrifice, and his dedication to making the world a better place will continue to inspire all who knew him. We extend our love and prayers to the families and loved ones of the other 9 souls who passed into the spiritual realms with Rhone, and for the employees and family of Bering Air. We kindly ask for privacy during this time of grieving as we seek peace and healing.

Thank you again for your unwavering support and for honoring Rhone’s life and contributions.