Seven people died in a crash between two light planes on Friday morning over Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, authorities said.
The crash was first reported around 8:30 am (1630 GMT) near the city of Soldotna, some 100 kilometres south-west of Anchorage the Alaska Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
 "One plane had a single occupant and the other aircraft had six people onboard. All but one person was deceased on scene however, the initial survivor succumbed to injuries during transport to the local hospital," the statement said.
The sole occupant of one of the planes was 67-year-old state legislator Gary Knopp, authorities said. Four of the other victims were in their mid-20s.
 "The First Lady and I were heartbroken to learn of the accident above Soldotna today, and our deepest sympathies go out to the families mourning these untimely deaths," Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. "I can assure them that investigators will have the State's full cooperation as they begin to unravel this morning's tragic events."