BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (KFGO) – Federal investigators are looking into the cause of the crash of a small plane shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport north of Minneapolis on Saturday, killing a state legislator from Fargo and the pilot.
Democratic Rep. Liz Conmy was killed in the crash, multiple sources told KFGO News late Saturday. The state democratic party later confirmed the information. In a social media post, party leaders called her a champion for public education, the environment, and transparency.
Sources also said the pilot was Joseph Cass, a retired orthopaedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
“We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state,” the party said in a post on X.
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong offered condolences Saturday to Conmy’s family, friends and fellow legislators.
“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 in a statement.
Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Conmy’s interment.
Democratic House Minority Leader Zac Ista of Grand Forks said he is “completely devastated” by the loss.
“She lived life to its fullest, never shying from adventure or speaking her mind — often in refreshingly direct terms,” Ista said in a statement. “As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment and transparency.”
Conmy was elected to the House in 2022 and was running for reelection. She represented District 11. She has four children.
Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Conmy’s interment.
The National Transportation Safety Board is heading the investigation.
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