North Dakota State Senator Doug Larsen and Family Die in Utah Plane Crash

A state senator from North Dakota, Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children tragically lost their lives when the small plane they were traveling in crashed in Utah. The devastating news was confirmed by Republican Senate Majority Leader David Hogue in an email sent to fellow senators.

The accident occurred on Sunday evening shortly after takeoff from Canyonlands Airfield near Moab, Utah. According to a statement posted on Facebook by the Grand County Sheriff's Department, all four individuals onboard the aircraft were killed. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

In his email to colleagues, Senator Hogue expressed his condolences and urged everyone to keep Larsen's family in their thoughts during this difficult time. He wrote, "I'm not sure where the bereavement starts with such a tragedy but I think it starts with prayers for the grandparents, surviving stepchild of Senator Larsen, and extended family of Doug and Amy."

As a tribute to Larsen's memory, a bouquet of roses was placed over his desk at the Senate chamber alongside his nameplate that reads: "D. Larsen - District 34."

The NTSB announced through social media that an investigator would be dispatched to document the scene of the crash and gather relevant information such as air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports, witness statements as well as maintenance records for further analysis.

At present time it remains unclear who was piloting the plane during its fatal descent. FAA records indicate that it crashed under unknown circumstances after takeoff from Moab.

Larsen had been serving as a Republican senator since 2020 representing Mandan district adjacent to Bismarck across Missouri River. He chaired a Senate panel responsible for industry and business legislation while also being actively involved in various entrepreneurial ventures alongside his wife Amy.

Prior to his political career, Larsen had an extensive military background, serving in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 29 years. He was deployed twice, once to Iraq from 2009-2010 and another time to Washington D.C. from 2013-2014. G

The pilot at the time of the crash remains unknown as authorities have not provided any additional information regarding this matter.

In light of this tragic event, Republicans within District 34 will appoint a successor to complete Larson's term until November 2024 while also preparing for next year's election where Larson's Senate seat is up for grabs.

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