North Dakota Lawmaker, Pilot Killed in Brooklyn Park Plane Crash

A small airplane crashed in Brooklyn Park near the Crystal Airport just before noon on Saturday, April 25, killing a North Dakota lawmaker and the pilot.

North Dakota state Rep. Liz Conmy, a Democrate from Fargo, was a passenger in the plane, which was taking off from Crystal Airport when it crashed into Southbrook Park.

The North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party, as well as the state’s governor, confirmed her death in press releases and social media posts.

“We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy,” the Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party wrote on X. “Her death is a profound loss for our state. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency.”

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of Conmy.

“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. We ask North Dakotans to join us in keeping them in our prayers.”

Conmy had served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2022.

“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,” North Dakota Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden said. “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. My thoughts are with her family and all who knew and loved her.”

A Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic camera shows smoke rising from a plane crash.

What We Know

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the crash occurred during the takeoff phase of the flight.

“Aircraft departed [Crystal Airport] and crashed under unknown circumstances,” an FAA incident report reads.

According to the report, Conmy and a member of the flight crew were killed when the small plane, identified as a single-engine Beech 733A, crashed into the park and caught fire.

Brooklyn Park firefighters put out the fire and arriving police found that both Conmy and the pilot had died.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash.

“The airplane has been moved to a secure location for further detailed examination of the airframe and engine,” a spokesperson for the NTSB told CCX News.

Brooklyn Park police said that there were no additional injuries on the ground, and no property damage as a result of the crash.

We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency. pic.twitter.com/HhalpUFmeS

— North Dakota Dem-NPL (@nddemnpl) April 26, 2026

Brooklyn Park