Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of North Dakota Lawmaker and Pilot
On Saturday, a North Dakota state legislator and a small plane pilot were killed in a crash shortly after takeoff near Crystal Airport, located just outside Minneapolis.
U.S. Representative Liz Conmie from Fargo was identified among the victims of the Beech F33A plane that crashed and subsequently caught fire in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
“Liz dedicated herself to her work in the Legislature, with a focus on education, habitat, and immigration, all with great care and concern for our state and community,” stated North Dakota’s Republican Governor Kelly Armstrong. “Gelsti and I are heartbroken over this tragic loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and fellow lawmakers. We encourage the people of North Dakota to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.”
In honor of Conmie’s memory, Armstrong has ordered U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-mast from dawn until dusk on the day of her burial. He also urged residents to observe the same at their homes and businesses.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Congressman Conmie’s passing,” said Republican Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden in a statement. “She was a close friend and served with integrity and compassion in various roles. I had the privilege of working alongside her to improve our schools. My thoughts go out to her family and everyone who cherished her.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were two individuals aboard the plane, but the pilot’s name has not yet been released.
The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the crash.
In response to her death, the North Dakota Democratic Independents expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken over Congresswoman Conmie’s loss. Her passing is a substantial loss for our state, as she strongly advocated for public education, environmental issues, and transparency.”
Brooklyn Park Police Lt. Matt Raab reported that emergency services were alerted at 11:51 a.m. about a small plane crash in the park. Firefighters arrived shortly after to find the wreckage engulfed in flames. Sadly, there were no survivors.
Nearby residents recounted hearing a loud explosion, followed by flames. “I was in my bedroom when I heard a really loud noise,” Ashley Capp, who lives nearby, shared. “My daughter was eating cereal, and we both felt alarmed.” Another neighbor, Kim Clark, noted the chaos that unfolded, saying, “I saw huge flames and everyone was calling 911.”
State Senator Tim Mathern, who considered Conmie a friend and had previously run for vice president, remarked that she had a passion for life and a strong work ethic, qualities that would be missed by both Democrats and Republicans.
This crash marks the second fatal incident involving a plane in Brooklyn Park within a year.
