In a devastating tragedy that has shaken the entire state of Alaska and the national sports community, Flight 7CE, tail number N4737E, carrying the Alaska Boys 4A Roundball Roundup basketball team, crashed into the Capital Center in Juneau early Monday morning, killing 43 people and leaving 17 others injured, several critically.
The aircraft, a private chartered twin-engine jet, was en route from Anchorage to Juneau, carrying student-athletes, coaches, chaperones, and support staff heading to a highly anticipated statewide basketball showcase. According to FAA officials, the flight experienced a “catastrophic systems failure” shortly before landing and was unable to reach the runway. The jet went down at approximately 9:42 a.m., crashing into the eastern wing of the Capital Center, a major municipal complex near downtown Juneau.
Scene of Chaos and Heartbreak
Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous roar, followed by an explosion and plumes of smoke rising into the gray morning sky. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, finding the building partially collapsed and engulfed in flames. Victims were pulled from the wreckage amid chaos, many suffering from burns, fractures, and severe trauma.
“I heard the engine sputtering and then a loud crash,” said local resident Daniel Howard, who was nearby when the plane hit. “Then screaming. People running. You could see part of the tail sticking out of the building.”
Lives Lost – A Community in Mourning
Among the 43 confirmed fatalities were members of the varsity team, aged 15–18, as well as their longtime head coach Marcus Leto, a beloved figure in Alaska high school sports. Several team parents, a pair of local sports reporters, and two crew members also perished in the crash.
Governor Erika Tomlinson has declared a state of emergency and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the remainder of the week. In an emotional statement, she said:
“Today is one of the darkest days in Alaska’s recent memory. We have lost our youth, our future, our heroes — not just on the court, but in our communities.”
Counseling centers have been opened throughout Anchorage and Juneau, and memorial vigils are already underway across the state. Hundreds gathered at East High School, home of many of the victims, for a candlelight vigil Monday night.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation, alongside the FAA and local law enforcement. Early indications suggest the crash may have been caused by a mechanical malfunction in the plane’s hydraulic system, though investigators caution that no official cause has been determined yet.
The aircraft was reportedly last inspected two months ago and was operated by Polar Air Charter Services, a private regional company now under scrutiny.
Nationwide Response
The tragedy has sparked condolences from across the country. President Biden issued a statement saying, “Our hearts are with Alaska tonight. The nation mourns with the families who lost their children, friends, and mentors in this unimaginable event.”
The NBA, NCAA, and major sports networks paused programming for moments of silence, with tributes pouring in from professional athletes and coaches.
A Legacy Cut Short
The Alaska Boys 4A team was considered a rising powerhouse in high school basketball and had recently earned national attention for their undefeated season. They were traveling to compete in the Roundball Roundup Showcase, which had been set to highlight the best talent from across the state.
The event has since been canceled, and all participating teams are being offered grief support and assistance returning home.
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