Former Sen. Ted Stevens was killed in a plane crash southwest of Anchorage Monday night, a spokesman for the family told Fox News.

Mitch Rose, Stevens' former chief of staff, said the 86-year-old veteran lawmaker was among the dead on the plane said to be carrying nine people. Stevens' former counsel, Ken Nahigian, confirmed to Fox News earlier Tuesday that the former senator was on the flight.

Officials have not yet publicly released the identities of those injured or killed.

The rescuers on scene were "administering help to at least two people and "working to get those people out as soon as possible," the Guard said. Rescuers from the Alaska Air National Guard said they were able to reach the crash site by helicopter Tuesday morning and are "currently providing medical support to the crash victims at the scene."

Former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe also was on the flight, according to defense contractor EADS North America. O'Keefe is the current chief executive of the U.S.-based division of the European firm.

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The National Transportation Safety Board, which also sent a team to the crash site, said nine people were aboard the DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter, a single-engine plane commonly used to ferry passengers in and out of remote areas.

The NTSB said rescuers at the scene reported five deaths.

O'Keefe and Stevens were said to be traveling with their sons.

Alaska National Guard spokesman Maj. Guy Hayes said the Guard was called to the area about 20 miles north of Dillingham at about 7 p.m. Monday after a passing aircraft saw the wreckage.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the plane was registered to Anchorage-based communications company GCI -- the firm owns the Agulowak Lodge where Stevens was traveling Monday.

State and federal officials say severe weather is hampering the rescue operation. Hayes said about five good Samaritans were on scene early Tuesday helping the crash victims.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said based on the usual weather conditions in the area, rescuers "have their work cut out for them."