A small plane crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport north of Minneapolis on Saturday, killing North Dakota state Representative Liz Conmy and the pilot.

The Beech F33A single-engine aircraft went down around 11:51 a.m. CDT in Southbrook Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, near 62nd Avenue North and Florida Avenue North. Brooklyn Park police responded to the scene, where the two occupants were confirmed dead. No one on the ground was injured.

Conmy, a Democrat-Nonpartisan League member representing District 11 in Fargo, was traveling with Joe Cass, a friend who was piloting the plane. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.

Conmy, who assumed office in December 2022, was seeking reelection to a second term. A retired educator from Minnesota State University Moorhead and farmer from Langdon, North Dakota, she held a bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University and a master's from the University of St. Thomas. She had four children and served on the House Education and Judiciary committees as well as the state's Human Trafficking Commission.

Known for her work on public education, environmental stewardship, habitat preservation, immigration, and transparent elections, Conmy grew up on a farm and represented both rural and urban interests effectively. Colleagues praised her bipartisanship and zest for life.

State Sen. Tim Mathern, a fellow Democrat from District 11, told the Star Tribune that Conmy understood farmers' concerns and had "a foot in that soil." House Minority Leader Rep. Zac Ista described her as "everyone’s friend" who built bridges across party lines.

Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong said Conmy "served her state and community with care and compassion," ordering U.S. and North Dakota flags flown at half-staff on the day of her interment. Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden called her a partner in strengthening schools, highlighting her integrity and dedication.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party stated, "We are completely heartbroken. Her death is a profound loss for our state." State Sen. Josh Boschee, a Fargo mayoral candidate, noted her service to south Fargo and contagious energy in legislative sessions.

NTSB investigators were expected at the site on Sunday as the probe continues.