Carol L. Mendiola Mooers, aged 48, was a devoted school counselor at Unalakleet School in Alaska and a U.S. Army veteran. On February 6, 2025, she tragically perished in a plane crash off the coast of Alaska while traveling from Unalakleet to Nome to pick up students for college tours in Juneau and Anchorage—and to meet with legislators in Nome—a final act of service to her students.
Carol graduated from Incarnate Word High School (class of 1994) and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UTSA and Texas A&M–San Antonio, respectively. After enlisting in 2001, she served with honor in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
She loved mentoring youth, teaching art in San Antonio (2007–2012), and supporting students as a trusted counselor in Harlandale ISD and later in rural Alaska. In Unalakleet, she became the “keystone” of her school family. Lunches, weekends, college planning—she was always there. Carol was enroute to Nome on Bering Air Flight 445 when, shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced a sudden loss of elevation and speed, crashing into the icy Bering Sea around 3:18 p.m. All ten aboard were lost.
Her journey—championing her students’ futures—ended in tragedy but embodies her life’s devotion to service. She leaves behind her husband Rodney Mooers; sons Aaron and Hunter; parents Homer and Christina Mendiola; sister Sharon Florence; brother Adrian Mendiola; and an extended loving family.
Carol’s life was defined by love—a love for her students, her family, and her calling. A cousin shared, “Whether she was guiding students toward their dreams, mentoring those in need, or simply offering a kind word, Carol embodied love, generosity, and selflessness in all she did.”