North Dakota Democrat, Pilot Die In Minnesota Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash in Minnesota has claimed the life of North Dakota state Rep. Liz Conmy, prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the political spectrum.

Conmy, a Democrat from Fargo, was among two নিহত when a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza aircraft went down shortly after takeoff near a suburban Minneapolis airport, crashing in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and bursting into flames.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong honored Conmy’s public service and ordered flags lowered in her memory.

“Liz served her state and community with care and compassion, from her service in the Legislature and on the state’s Human Trafficking Commission to her work on education, habitat, and immigration,” Armstrong said. “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.”

Armstrong directed that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Conmy’s interment.

Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden also reflected on her colleague’s passing.

“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,” she said. “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.”

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According to the Federal Aviation Administration, two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. The identity of the pilot has not yet been publicly released. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

Local officials say emergency crews responded quickly after the crash was reported around midday. Matt Rabe, a police inspector in Brooklyn Park, confirmed officers arrived to find the wreckage engulfed in flames shortly after the plane departed from a nearby airport.

The Brooklyn Park Fire Department extinguished the blaze within minutes, but tragically, there were no survivors.

Residents near the crash site described a sudden and violent scene.

“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,” said Ashley Capp. Another neighbor, Kim Clark, added: “We look across the street, and it was a huge flame, huge fire… Everybody started calling 911.”

The North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party also released a statement mourning Conmy’s death, describing it as “a profound loss for our state” and highlighting her advocacy on education, environmental issues, and government transparency.

State Sen. Tim Mathern, a longtime colleague, remembered Conmy as someone who brought “a zest for life and a strong work ethic,” noting that she earned respect from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The fatal crash marks the second deadly aviation incident in the Brooklyn Park area in just over a year, raising renewed concerns about flight safety in densely populated regions.

The tragedy also comes amid heightened national awareness of aviation risks. In early 2025, shortly after beginning his second term, President Donald J. Trump responded to a separate air disaster involving a medical jet crash in Philadelphia.

“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all,” Trump wrote at the time.

As investigators work to determine what caused Saturday’s crash, communities in North Dakota and Minnesota are left mourning a sudden loss—while once again being reminded of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of rigorous aviation oversight.