North Dakota State Rep. Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) died in a plane crash, along with the pilot, near Minneapolis on Saturday, April 25.
The plane went down shortly after taking off from Crystal Airport, according to a press release from the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Local police and fire department personnel responded to a small aircraft that crashed and caught fire in Southbrook Park, which occurred Saturday around 11:51 a.m. Fire crews extinguished the fire. No individuals on the ground were injured, and no property on the ground was damaged because of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported two people were aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, which involved a Beechcraft BE33 airplane. Brooklyn Park officials are in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, which are working together to conduct a complete and thorough investigation.
The North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party confirmed Conmy’s death via posts later that same day on social media. “We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state,” the post read on Facebook. “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.”
Gov. Kelly Armstrong also issued a statement on Saturday regarding the passing of Conmy. Conmy had represented District 11 in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022. “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.”
“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. Gov. Michelle Strinden 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.”
In response to the news of Conmy’s passing, U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said, “Mikey and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Representative Conmy’s loved ones, and we will keep her family in our prayers. We appreciate her service to the state, and we know her loss will be felt by the Fargo community and her colleagues in the legislature.”
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said, “I was saddened to hear about the tragic death of North Dakota Representative Liz Conmy. She was a dedicated public servant and her service to the people of North Dakota and Fargo will not soon be forgotten. Kris and I are praying for her family, friends, and colleagues.”
North Dakota House Minority Leader Zac Ista said, “I am completely devastated at the loss of our friend Liz. She lived life to its fullest, never shying from adventure or speaking her mind—often in refreshingly direct terms. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency. With a wicked sense of humor, Liz quickly made genuine friendships across the political spectrum. Truly no one in the House was better at making or taking a joke than Liz. She’s a prime example of how to take the work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. As a friend, I have a hole in my heart. As a citizen, I grieve the loss of an outstanding public servant. May her beautiful children, family, and friends find peace in these difficult times.”
Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Conmy’s interment and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses. An updated flag advisory will be sent when funeral arrangements are announced.
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