Juneau, Alaska – Representative Ben Nageak is recovering in Anchorage with family following a medevac from the Capitol on Friday.

“I have a newfound respect for the medevac and flight nurse crews in Alaska,” Nageak, D-Barrow, said. “I am blessed to be alive today and for that I thank my family and my staff, who pestered me all week long despite my initial protests. Life is precious. Take your health seriously, folks. Even little things can be signs of something more serious. I’m up and about and can’t wait to get back down to Juneau to finish our work this session. I am booked to return to Juneau tomorrow and boy am I happy.”

The 62-year old freshman met with doctors in Juneau Thursday and was set to return for more tests Friday. Doctors advised him to get to Anchorage for treatment and arranged a medevac. Nageak was taken to Providence Hospital where doctors performed another test. During the procedure blockages were found in his heart and two stents were placed successfully.

“We are so thankful that Benny is better. Tanna and I, and all of us here in the House kept him in our thoughts and prayers over the weekend,” Alaska Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. “We look forward to his safe return to the Capitol and the wisdom and grace he injects into our discussions.”

Nageak won election to the House last August, filling the seat of retiring Representative Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue. Nageak was the North Slope Borough Mayor in the mid-1990s, and served on a number of state and local boards and commissions.