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A tragic plane crash near Crystal Airport in a Minneapolis suburb has claimed the life of North Dakota state representative Liz Conmy and the pilot of the aircraft. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff on Saturday, resulting in the small Beech F33A crashing and catching fire in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Rep. Liz Conmy, a Democrat from Fargo, was identified as one of the victims in this unfortunate incident. Known for her dedication and service, Conmy was deeply involved in various legislative efforts, including her work on the state’s Human Trafficking Commission and her contributions to education, habitat, and immigration policies.
In the wake of this loss, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong expressed his condolences, stating, “Liz served her state and community with care and compassion. Kjersti and I are saddened by this tragic loss and offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fellow legislators. We ask North Dakotans to join us in keeping them in our prayers.”
As a gesture of mourning and respect, Governor Armstrong has ordered that all U.S. and North Dakota flags be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Conmy’s funeral. He encourages residents to do the same at their homes and businesses to honor her memory.
The loss of Rep. Conmy is felt deeply across the community and state, as she was a respected figure in North Dakota’s political and civic arenas. Her contributions and dedication will be remembered by many.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rep. Conmy, a dear friend and former colleague with whom I had the privilege of serving in the state House,” Lt. GOP Gov. Michelle Strinden wrote in a statement. “Liz brought integrity, compassion and unwavering dedication to her work on the Education and Judiciary committees, and I was proud to partner with her on efforts to strengthen our schools. My thoughts are with her family and all who knew and loved her.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said two people were aboard, but the pilot was not immediately publicly identified.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate, Fox 9 reported.
“We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy,” the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party wrote Saturday on X.
“Her death is a profound loss for our state. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency.”
Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe said officers were called at 11:51 a.m. to a report of a small plane crash in a park area. Emergency crews found the aircraft engulfed in flames after it crashed shortly after departing from Crystal Airport, north of Minneapolis. The Brooklyn Park Fire Department arrived within minutes and extinguished the fire, but there were no survivors.
Neighbors near the crash site described hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames shoot up from the wreckage.
“I was in the house, in my bedroom, and my daughter was eating cereal at the kitchen table, and there was a really loud boom,” Ashley Capp, who lives across the street, told FOX 9.
Another neighbor, Kim Clark, said the scene unfolded quickly.
“We look across the street, and it was a huge flame, huge fire,” Clark told the station. “Everybody started calling 911.”
State Sen. Tim Mathern, who described Conmy as a friend and former running mate, said she brought “a zest for life and a strong work ethic” and would be missed by Democrats and Republicans alike.
The crash was the second deadly plane crash in Brooklyn Park in more than a year, according to FOX 9.