Ben Stevens, a former Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office and President of the Alaska State Senate, passed away when hiking last Thursday.
Alaska State Troopers report they responded to an “emergency call,” noting a hiker suffered a “medical emergency.”
The Trooper’s statement read:
“Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a hiker having a medical emergency with CPR in progress on the Lost Lake Trail in the Chugach National Forest outside of Seward.”
The Alaska State Trooper’s statement added:
“The hiker was later identified as Ben Stevens, age 63 of Anchorage. Coordinates were obtained and Lifemed was requested to respond. Alaska State Troopers and U.S. Forest Service officers responded to the trailhead. Lifemed reached the scene at 6:41 pm. and lifesaving measures were unsuccessful. Stevens body was transported by Lifemed to Anchorage.”
Ben Stevens is the son of the late Sen. Ted Stevens (R), who died in a plane crash in 2010. Ted Stevens served as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate (2003-2007), and as a Republican U.S. Senator between 1968-2009.
Ben Stevens served as the Chief of Staff to Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, and as President of the Alaska State Senate.
The Daily Wire noted that as of 2021, Stevens “served as Vice President of external affairs and transportation at ConocoPhillips, Alaska.
Erec Isaacson, President of ConocoPhillips, released a statement regarding Stevens’ death:
“The entire ConocoPhillips family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing on Thursday evening of our friend and colleague, Ben Stevens.”
“Isaacson added:
Our sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Ben was a valued leader at ConocoPhillips Alaska and leaves a significant legacy in the state of Alaska. Ben will be deeply missed not only by his family and colleagues, but in the broader Alaska community.”
Former Governor Dunleavy shared on Twitter:
“Ben Stevens was a good friend of mine. I will always cherish the time he was my Chief of Staff; his knowledge and political acumen were significant assets in my administration. Rose and I offer our prayers to Ben’s wife, Elizabeth, and the kids during this difficult time.”
Stevens was an Alaska State Senator from 2001-2006 and served as Senate President from 2005-2006.
Ben Stevens’ youngest son posted a tribute to his father on Facebook on behalf of the Stevens family:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ben Stevens… who was a leader in our state. Ben leaves a lasting legacy as a businessman, commercial fisherman, political leader, and executive. Most importantly, he was a devoted and loving husband and father, often found at the hockey rink or on the shores of the Naknek River. As we mourn the loss of Ben, we are grateful for the outpouring of support.”