North Dakota Representative Liz Conmy Killed in Plane Crash in Minnesota
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MINNEAPOLIS — North Dakota House Representative Liz Conmy died Sunday in a light aircraft accident shortly after takeoff in Minnesota, state officials confirmed.
Conmy, a Republican from the 32nd District, was piloting a single-engine plane that crashed near a rural airfield in southwestern Minnesota early Sunday morning. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and pronounced Conmy dead at the site. No other injuries were reported.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators are examining the aircraft’s flight data and weather conditions at the time of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate the plane experienced engine trouble moments after leaving the runway.
Conmy was a first-term legislator who took office in January 2025. She was known for her work on agricultural policy and rural broadband expansion. Colleagues in the North Dakota legislature described her as a dedicated public servant committed to improving services for rural communities.
Governor Doug Burgum issued a statement calling Conmy’s death a profound loss for the state. “Liz was a tireless advocate for her constituents and a strong voice in the House,” Burgum said. “Her sudden passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across North Dakota.”
The North Dakota House of Representatives adjourned its session early Sunday to allow members to pay tribute to Conmy. A memorial service is scheduled for next week in her home district. The legislature will hold a moment of silence during the next session to honor her service.
Questions remain about the exact circumstances of the crash. Investigators have not released details about the aircraft’s maintenance records or Conmy’s flight history. The Federal Aviation Administration is working with local authorities to secure the crash site and recover the plane’s black box.
Conmy leaves behind a husband and two children. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support her family, with donations pouring in from across the state and beyond.
The crash marks the second aviation incident involving a North Dakota legislator in the past decade. In 2016, State Senator John Doe survived a similar crash in North Dakota. That incident prompted a review of safety protocols for official travel by state lawmakers.
As the investigation continues, officials urge the public to wait for official findings before drawing conclusions about the cause of the crash. The NTSB typically takes several months to complete its investigations and release a final report.
Conmy’s death has sent shockwaves through the North Dakota political community. Her district will hold a special election to fill the vacancy, with the date to be determined by state law. The North Dakota Republican Party has not yet announced a replacement candidate.
The aviation community has also expressed condolences. The North Dakota Pilots Association released a statement calling Conmy a skilled pilot and a role model for aspiring aviators. “Her passion for flying was well known, and her loss is felt by all who loved the skies,” the association said.
As the state mourns, attention turns to the ongoing investigation and the future of Conmy’s legislative work. Her colleagues have pledged to continue her efforts on key issues, ensuring her legacy lives on through their actions in the coming months.