By Erika Hernandez
North Dakota state representative Liz Conmy, 67, died Saturday after a small plane crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
The accident took place around noon, when the aircraft, a Beechcraft BE33 model, took off from Crystal Airport but failed to gain altitude and ended up crashing in a nearby park, according to the Necessary Private Person Tribune.
Victims and official confirmations
In addition to Conmy, The pilot – whose identity has not been revealed – also died at the scene.according to local authorities.
Although the identity of the victims had not initially been officially confirmed, the governor of North Dakota, Kelly Armstrong, later confirmed the death of the legislator in a statement.
Neighbors in the area described a strong explosion followed by a fireball coming from several nearby homes. Some residents reported that, after the impact, they tried to get closer to check if there were survivors, but the flames quickly intensified.
Images from the scene show debris from the aircraft scattered in the area, including parts of the landing gear.
Career and political legacy
Conmy, mother of four children, He had been serving as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022, representing the 11th district.
Several colleagues highlighted his close nature and his ability to generate consensus beyond partisan differences. She was also recognized for her promotion of initiatives related to public education, the environment and government transparency.
Governor Armstrong expressed his condolences to family and friends, calling the event a tragic loss for the state.
Other legislators and political figures also expressed their regret, highlighting the representative’s vocation for service and human impact in the legislative field.
The Nationwide Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Specialists are expected to examine the wreckage of the aircraft and document the scene before moving the device to a secure facility for detailed analysis.
For the moment, the authorities have indicated that it is premature to establish the causes of the incident. The investigation will focus on technical aspects, weather conditions and possible mechanical failures.
The case remains in development while evidence is collected to clarify what happened.
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