‘Profound Loss for Our State’: North Dakota Mourns Liz Conmy’s Tragic Death in Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash near Minneapolis on Saturday has left two people dead, including a North Dakota lawmaker. State Representative Liz Conmy and an unidentified pilot were said to be the only two individuals on board, when the plane went crashing down in the nearby area of Brooklyn Park.

Authorities confirmed that shortly after taking off from Crystal Airport, the plane came crashing down, killing Conmy and the pilot. Officials are now investigating what caused the crash, while witnesses shared their verdict, and lawmakers grieved the death of their fellow legislator.

After the tragedy struck at Brooklyn Park, the police department responded to the report at around 11:51 a.m. Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe told NBC News that the aircraft had gone down and caught fire in a park shortly after takeoff.

Further, in a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that two people were aboard the aircraft. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board said it has launched an investigation into the crash involving the Beech F33A airplane.

However, when the crash took place, onlookers noted that emergency crews had reached the site within minutes. But unfortunately, a “huge fire” prevented immediate access to the wreckage, leaving the responders to frantically circle the burning plane.

Neighbors living near the crash site told Fox9, “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.” Further, another source added, “It was scary because it was like, it's really close to my home, and my family stays here.”

Others mentioned, “The police got here in a few minutes, but it was kind of sad to watch them. You could almost tell on their faces that there was a person in there, and they were kind of circling the plane; they couldn't do anything without fire,”

Following the tragic incident, the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party confirmed the death of State Representative Liz Conmy in a social media post. Taking to X, they paid their tribute and celebrated her strong voice for public education, the environment, and transparency.

“We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state,” they wrote. Meanwhile, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong described Conmy’s passing as a “tragic loss” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of her interment.

Further, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden said in a news release, “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.” Strinden added, “Liz brought integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her work on the Education and Judiciary committees.”

State Sen. Tim Mathern paid his tribute in a news release, “Rep. Liz Conmy was my running mate and friend. She had a zest for life and a strong work ethic. Our democracy needs more like her. She will be missed by Democrats and Republicans alike. Her family has our love and support.”