State Senator and Family Die in Tragic Plane Crash in Utah
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A devastating plane crash in Utah has claimed the lives of a state senator from North Dakota, his wife, and their two young children, according to Senate Majority Leader David Hogue. The incident occurred on Sunday evening shortly after takeoff from Canyonlands Airfield, located about 15 miles north of Moab.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on Facebook, confirming that all four individuals on board the small plane were killed in the crash. The victims have been identified as Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children.
Details surrounding the cause of the crash are still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). An NTSB spokesman mentioned that an investigator will be arriving at the scene to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Additionally, they will be examining the aircraft, air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports, and the maintenance records of the plane.
It remains unclear who was piloting the plane at the time of the accident. Online FAA information simply states that the aircraft crashed “under unknown circumstances after takeoff.”
In a poignant Facebook post last December, Senator Larsen proudly shared that his wife had completed her first flight as a pilot. The post featured a photo of a small orange plane.
Senator Larsen, a Republican, was elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2020. His district included Mandan, a city neighboring Bismarck. He held the position of chair on a Senate panel responsible for handling industry and business legislation. Additionally, Larsen served as a lieutenant colonel in the North Dakota National Guard and was a business owner alongside his wife, Amy.
Local Republicans will appoint a successor to fulfill the remainder of Larsen’s term, which concludes in November 2024. His Senate seat will be on the ballot next year. Currently, Republicans hold significant control over North Dakota’s Legislature, with supermajorities in both the House and Senate.
Moab, a popular tourism-centric community near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, is reeling from this tragic incident. The tight-knit community of approximately 5,300 residents is offering their condolences and support to the Larsen family during this difficult time.
“The bereavement starts with prayers for the grandparents, surviving stepchild of Senator Larsen, and extended family of Doug and Amy,” expressed Senator Hogue. “Hold your family close today.”
This heartbreaking accident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. The community mourns the loss of Senator Doug Larsen, his wife, and their two young children, and will come together to support each other during this unimaginable tragedy.
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