North Dakota State Senator and Family Die in Utah Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash in Utah claimed the lives of North Dakota State Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children. The small plane they were traveling in crashed shortly after takeoff from Canyonlands Airfield, approximately 15 miles north of Moab, Utah, according to a statement by the Grand County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash occurred on Sunday evening, and all four occupants of the plane lost their lives. Senator Doug Larsen, a Republican, was returning with his family from a visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, and had stopped in Utah to refuel.

The news of Senator Larsen’s death was confirmed by Republican Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, who expressed his condolences and urged fellow senators to offer prayers and support to the grieving family and friends.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with an NTSB investigator expected to arrive at the scene to document the wreckage, examine the aircraft, review air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports, and contact witnesses. The investigation will also involve inspecting maintenance records, pilot’s medical history, and flight history.

The exact circumstances of the crash, including who was piloting the aircraft, remain unclear. The FAA reported that the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances after takeoff.

Senator Doug Larsen was a first-term senator from North Dakota, representing District 34, which includes Mandan, located west of Bismarck. In addition to his legislative duties, Larsen was a business owner, serving alongside his wife, Amy. He also had an extensive military career, with 29 years of service in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was mobilized twice, serving in Iraq from 2009 to 2010 and in Washington, D.C., from 2013 to 2014, earning various military honors and medals.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum praised Larsen for his unwavering dedication and commitment to serving others, both in his legislative role and through his military service. Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, the adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, expressed condolences to the Larsen family, describing Doug as a true patriot who dedicated his life to serving others.

The Republican state senator was also known for his passion for flying, working on obtaining his private pilot’s license and discussing flying planes with fellow senators in the Senate chamber. His unique sense of humor and candor on issues were remembered fondly by his colleagues.

Republican District Republicans will appoint a successor to fill the remainder of Larsen’s term, which runs until November 2024. His Senate seat is up for election next year. North Dakota’s Legislature is currently under Republican control, with supermajorities in both the House and Senate.