A senior North Dakota lawmaker was killed in a small plane crash moments after takeoff, authorities confirmed. Representative Liz Conmy, 67, and the pilot died Saturday afternoon when the aircraft crashed into a park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, around noon, according to state Senator Tim Mathern, who spoke with the Star Tribune.
Crash Details
The mother of four was aboard a Beechcraft BE33 on the runway at Crystal Airport when the plane suddenly 'couldn't get up in the air,' said Jeff Lea, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The Brooklyn Police Department reported that both Conmy and the unidentified pilot were pronounced dead at the scene after the fiery crash.
Although authorities have not officially identified the victims, Mathern stated that a family member confirmed Conmy's death. He noted that the late Democrat had a close friend who is a pilot and had flown with them for the past year and a half. 'She was a very zest-filled person, and we will all miss her,' Mathern, Conmy's running mate, told reporters.
Witness Accounts
Horrifying footage captured the moment the aircraft plummeted to the ground, creating a massive fireball. Startled neighbors recalled hearing a loud boom and seeing bright orange flames. Ashley Capp, who lives across the street from the crash site, told Fox 9: '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.'
Kim Clark, another local whose outdoor surveillance camera recorded the crash, said everyone immediately called the police. 'We look across the street, and it was a huge flame, huge fire. And then everybody started calling 911, and some people were getting close to see if there were anybody alive. But then it kind of started to spark, and the flames started to get bigger,' Clark recounted. She added: 'It was scary because it was like, it's really close to my home, and my family stays here.'
Official Reactions
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong confirmed Conmy was among the victims in a statement: '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.'
Conmy served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022, representing the 11th district. Another image from the scene showed what appeared to be the plane's wheel thrown onto the grass after the collision.
Tributes
Several people took to Facebook to share heartfelt tributes. Representative LaurieBeth Hager wrote: 'I am in utter shock as this is a painful loss for me and my legislative colleagues. Representative Conmy and I had served together for the past 4 years. She sat directly behind me in the chamber and alongside me on the Education Committee. She brought a JOYFUL spirit to our caucus, every meeting, and the entire legislative chamber. Liz made me laugh regularly and often — which is much needed during session.'
The North Dakota House Republican Caucus remembered Conmy as someone who 'brought not only dedication and integrity to her work, but also a warmth and sincerity that made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of serving with her.' The North Dakota Democratic-NPL posted: 'Her death is a profound loss for our state. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency. Liz had a natural ability to make friendships across the political spectrum. We send our deepest condolences to her children, family, and friends.'
Anastassiya Andrianova, another running mate, shared a touching post: 'Representative Liz Conmy was a leader and a friend to all. She was my running mate, and I couldn't wait to go to Bismarck with her. Liz was a mentor and a role model to me, my husband, and our daughter Freya, whom she knew and adored from birth.'
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. An NTSB spokesperson said it is too early to determine what caused the plane to go down, but an investigator is expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday 'to document the site and examine the airplane.' The aircraft will then be transported to a secure facility for further evaluation. The Brooklyn Park Police Department has been contacted for comment.
