FARGO (KFGO) – North Dakota lawmakers on Tuesday remembered a late Senate colleague, who died in a plane crash Sunday, along with his wife and two children, for his service to others and love of hosting events.
State Sen. Doug Larsen, his wife Amy and their two young children died Oct. 1 in a plane crash near Moab, Utah. The plane crashed shortly after taking off from Canyonlands Airfield near the desert recreation town and the senator was reportedly flying the plane, according to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.
The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the crash of the single-engine Piper plane, with a preliminary report expected in two weeks.
The weather at the time was mild, with scattered light showers, wide visibility and gentle winds in the area around the airport, according to the National Weather Service.
State Rep. Paul Thomas and state Sen. Cole Conley offered tributes Tuesday to Larsen before a routine meeting of an interim study committee of the Legislature. The room observed a moment of silence for the Larsen family.
Thomas and Conley both entered the Legislature in 2020 with Larsen, a fellow Republican, and recounted their early days at the Capitol with him.
Thomas said, quote: “Sen. Larsen was what we all here aspired to be as servants to our members and our district as well as our friends and family.”
Conley said Larsen loved to host events, inviting colleagues to his home in Mandan, and cooking tacos, chili and other meals for Senate caucus meetings. Larsen also once offered to find Conley a car when his broke down.
Larsen was a lieutenant colonel and 29-year member of the North Dakota National Guard.
District Republicans will appoint a successor to fill out the remainder of Larsen’s term, through November 2024.
Latest News
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!