More public officials across North Dakota offered condolences in reaction to the death of North Dakota State Rep. Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) at age 67 in a plane crash on Saturday, April 25, as Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday, May 1.
The plane went down shortly after taking off from Crystal Airport, according to a press release from the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Multiple news outlets have reported that the other victim in the crash believed to be the pilot has been identified as Dr. Joseph Cass, who retired from Mayo Clinic in Rochester in May 2017, according to a Mayo Clinic Alumni Association article. Minnesota Public Radio reported that the two were romantic partners.
In Bismarck on April 30, Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Friday, May 1, and encouraged North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance 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,” Armstrong said on April 25. “Kjersti and I are saddened by this tragic loss and offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow legislators.”
Colleagues and public officials from across the state have shared memorials and condolences in reaction to Conmy’s death, including North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn. “As district chair in 2022, I was responsible for finding a candidate to run for an open seat,” he said. “I told myself I would run unless I found someone better. I found someone better, our neighbor, our friend, unofficial auntie to my daughter, unofficial big sis and official running mate of my wife. We were so proud of all she did in the legislature, but in my heart, she will always be the lady who knocked on our door in the middle of a mid-April snowstorm and asked if she could make a snowman with our daughter. Like so many people, we just loved Liz so much, that tiny lady with that huge heart.”
“North Dakota has lost one of its fiercest advocates and loudest cheerleader,” said fellow District 11 Rep. Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo). “Rep. Liz Conmy stood strong and spoke out for the people she served. She was tireless in her public service, forging collaborations and making new friends everywhere she went. Liz kept us smiling, laughing and never giving up. She led the hike up the 18 floors of the ND Capitol building everyday of Session, sometimes twice for the heck of it. Thank you for it all my friend! You are loved and will be missed.”
The North Dakota Republican Party posted on their Facebook page, “When not living and serving her District 11 constituents in Fargo, she also farmed in Langdon, North Dakota, which made her a staunch supporter of North Dakota farmers. Our condolences to her family, friends, District 11, and the other reported victim of the unfortunate accident.”
State Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) said, “I’m shocked and heartbroken by the tragic death of my colleague Rep. Liz Conmy. As a legislator for District 11, she had a gift for connecting with all types of people, for understanding both urban and rural issues, and for explaining complex issues in a compelling way. And she was a damn fun person. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.”
“I really see Liz as having a zest for life,” Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) of District 11 said, “It’s fascinating, she had this experience all the way from growing up and operating a farm to being a college professor. She was well-rounded in her relationships with people, in her education, and as a lawmaker. We can honor Rep. Liz Conmy by engaging in positive things.”
In a post on the North Dakota Legislative Council’s Facebook page announcing Conmy’s death on April 25, North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor said, “We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and friend, Representative Liz Conmy. She 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. Liz had a rare ability to look beyond party lines and focus on people—listening first, working collaboratively, and always striving to do what was right for her community. She will be remembered not just for her service, but for her kindness, her thoughtfulness, and the genuine care she showed to others every day. She will be deeply missed by all of us.”
District 11 Democratic-NPL Chair and Fargo Public School Board Member Greg Clark remarked, “When I first met Liz, before she was elected to the House of Representatives, she told me she wasn’t sure she wanted to be a legislator. I always had great respect for Liz because she was a reluctant leader, serving out of a sense of duty and a belief she could make a difference. You could always feel her presence in a room, even if you couldn’t see or hear her. Liz had a rare mixture of quiet competence, fierce intelligence, and genuine warmth. We should all aspire to lead like Liz.”
House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “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.”
Conmy’s family announced that a celebration of life service for her would be held 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at RiverHaven Events Center in Moorhead.
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