North Dakota state legislator Liz Conmy was among two people killed in a plane crash near Crystal Airport in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The small aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, according to multiple confirmed reports. Conmy, a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives serving District 11, was identified by officials and news outlets as one of the victims.
The crash occurred in the vicinity of Crystal Airport, a suburban airfield in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but both occupants of the plane were pronounced dead at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.
Conmy, a Democrat-NPL member, had been serving in the state legislature since December 2022. She was seeking re-election for a second term in the upcoming November 2026 vote. Her colleague in the 11th district, Gretchen Dobervich, confirmed her passing in a statement released through the North Dakota House Democratic Caucus.
The pilot of the aircraft, identified as Joe Cass, also died in the crash. Cass was described by acquaintances as a close friend of Conmy’s. No other individuals were aboard the plane at the time of the incident. Authorities have not released further details about the flight’s origin or intended destination beyond confirmation that it departed from Crystal Airport.
Official Responses and Legislative Impact
Following the confirmation of Conmy’s death, leaders from both major parties in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly issued statements mourning her loss. House Speaker Dennis Johnson (R) praised her dedication to public service, while Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-NPL) highlighted her work on education and healthcare access. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party released a formal tribute, noting her service on the House Human Services and Education committees.
With Conmy’s seat now vacant, the process for filling the vacancy will follow North Dakota state law. According to the North Dakota Century Code, vacancies in the House of Representatives are filled by appointment from the district’s political party, subject to confirmation by the governor. The Democratic-NPL Party in District 11 will submit a nominee, who must then be approved by Governor Kelly Armstrong (R).
The 68th Legislative Assembly convened in January 2023 and is scheduled to adjourn in May 2025 for the interim period. Yet, special sessions may be called by the governor or legislative leadership. Any potential impact on committee assignments or voting dynamics remains to be determined pending the appointment process.
Investigation and Airport Response
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed It’s deploying a team to investigate the crash, with preliminary findings expected within several weeks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting in the investigation and has stated it will review air traffic control communications and aircraft maintenance records. Neither agency has speculated on potential causes at this stage.
Crystal Airport was temporarily closed following the crash, resuming operations approximately two hours later. Brooklyn Park fire, police, and emergency medical services responded to the scene. The aircraft involved was a small private plane, though its exact create and model have not been officially released pending the ongoing investigation.
Local authorities in Brooklyn Park have stated that the crash site, located in a small park northwest of the airport, has been secured for investigative purposes. No injuries to individuals on the ground were reported. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies to determine the official cause of death for both victims.
Personal Background and Legislative Work
Liz Conmy was born in 1958 and earned a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. Before her election to the House in 2022, she worked in education and community advocacy roles in Fargo. She was known for her bipartisan approach to legislation, particularly on issues affecting rural schools and healthcare access in eastern North Dakota.
During her tenure, Conmy co-sponsored bills related to school funding formulas, mental health services, and agricultural support programs. She served alongside Gretchen Dobervich in District 11, which covers parts of Fargo and West Fargo. Her legislative profile emphasized constituent service and collaboration across party lines.
Conmy was seeking re-election in 2026 to continue her work on the House Appropriations and Education committees. Her absence will trigger a special legislative process to ensure District 11 maintains representation until the next general election. The North Dakota Secretary of State’s office oversees vacancy procedures and will manage the official paperwork once a nominee is selected.
The North Dakota Legislative Assembly website lists Conmy’s term as running from December 1, 2022, to April 25, 2026, confirming her service duration. Her official biography and voting record remain archived on the state’s legislative portal for public reference.
As the investigation continues, officials urge the public to rely on verified updates from the NTSB, FAA, and local law enforcement. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the preliminary report, though standard NTSB investigations into similar incidents typically take 12–18 months for final conclusions.
For updates on the legislative vacancy process, residents of District 11 are encouraged to monitor announcements from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party and the Office of the Governor. Information regarding the NTSB investigation will be published on its official website upon release of factual findings.
To share condolences or learn more about legislative services in North Dakota, visit the official state legislature website. Readers are invited to comment below and share this article to facilitate spread accurate information during this developing story.