This is a statement released by McDonald's regarding the plane crash that killed five people in southeast Alaska.

"We would like to first acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for everyone touched by this tragedy.  We are deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of members of the McDonald's family:  Owner/Operator, Eric Smith, his wife Christine, their son Trevor and David Mayer, husband of Owner/Operator Mindy Mayer. 

Mindy and her granddaughter, Allison Smith, remain in critical condition.

"All who knew them and worked with them will miss them terribly.  We are honored to have had them as a part of our team and will always consider them to be a part of the McDonald’s family.  They had a passion for their restaurants, their employees, their customers and their communities.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mindy and all the victims' families, friends and co-workers.

- Art Alamo, Vice President and General Manager
McDonald's Pacific Northwest Region