KEY TAKEAWAYS
- North Dakota state Rep. Liz Conmy, a Democrat, and a pilot were killed when their Beech F33A aircraft crashed near Crystal Airport in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday
- Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordered flags flown at half-staff and praised Conmy’s service to the state despite political differences
- The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, which erupted in flames shortly after takeoff
- Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion and witnessing massive flames from the wreckage
A North Dakota state legislator and aircraft pilot lost their lives in a fiery plane crash Saturday near Minneapolis, marking a tragic loss for the Upper Midwest community. Rep. Liz Conmy, a Fargo Democrat, was identified as one of two victims when the small aircraft went down in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and burst into flames moments after leaving Crystal Airport.
Official Statements from State Leadership
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican, released a statement honoring Conmy’s legislative record despite their party differences. “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.”
Armstrong ordered all U.S. and North Dakota flags be lowered to half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Conmy’s funeral, urging North Dakotans to do the same at their residences and places of business.
Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, also a Republican, shared her own remembrance: “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. 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.”
Democrat Response
The North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party issued a statement on social media mourning Conmy’s sudden death. “We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy,” the party wrote. “Her death is a profound loss for our state. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency.”
UPDATE: Plane crash near Crystal Airport in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, kills two, including North Dakota state Rep. Liz Conmy (D-NPL).
pic.twitter.com/2IJ1EPqRsX https://t.co/MYIuOduGTC— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) April 26, 2026
State Sen. Tim Mathern, who described Conmy as a friend and previous running mate, reflected on her character. “She brought a zest for life and a strong work ethic” and would be remembered across party lines, Mathern said.
Crash Details and Investigation
Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe reported officers received a call at 11:51 a.m. Saturday about a small aircraft emergency in a park area. Emergency responders discovered the Beech F33A engulfed in flames shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport, located north of Minneapolis.
The Brooklyn Park Fire Department arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze, but both occupants perished. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed two people were aboard, though the pilot’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Neighbors described the harrowing 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,” resident Ashley Capp told FOX 9. Another neighbor, Kim Clark, added: “We look across the street, and it was a huge flame, huge fire. Everybody started calling 911.”
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the official investigation into the cause of the crash. The incident marks the second deadly plane accident in Brooklyn Park within roughly one year.
Fox News Digital / CelebBNews contributed to this report.