In a tragic incident that has shaken North Dakota and left a community in mourning, State Senator Doug Larsen and his wife, Amy, along with their two young children, lost their lives in a devastating plane crash in Utah. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, just moments after the aircraft took off from Canyonlands Airfield, located approximately 15 miles north of Moab.
The Tragic Flight
The small plane, piloted by Senator Doug Larsen himself, crashed under circumstances that are currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Grand County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that all four individuals on board the plane, including Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children, tragically lost their lives in this devastating accident.
A Grief-Stricken Community
The news of this heartbreaking accident was confirmed by Republican Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, who sent an email to his fellow senators. In his message, Hogue expressed the profound sadness that has gripped the community, saying, “Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children died in a plane crash last evening in Utah. They were visiting family in Scottsdale and returning home. They stopped to refuel in Utah.”
Remembering Doug Larsen
Doug Larsen, a Republican senator who was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2020, represented District 34, which includes Mandan, a city neighboring Bismarck, across the Missouri River. During his time in office, he chaired a Senate panel focused on industry and business legislation. He was not only a dedicated public servant but also a successful businessman, running a family-owned business alongside his wife, Amy.
In addition to his political career, Doug Larsen had a distinguished military service record. He held the rank of lieutenant colonel in the North Dakota National Guard, serving for 29 years. His service included deployments to Iraq from 2009-10 and to Washington, D.C., from 2013-14, where he earned numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, and Army Aviator Badge.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy of Doug Larsen’s passing extends beyond his political career and military service. It is a profound loss for his family, friends, and the entire community. As Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, expressed, “I cannot think of a more tragic loss for one family, and the North Dakota National Guard sends our condolences to all of (the Larsens’) friends and family. Doug was a true patriot who dedicated his life, both in and out of uniform, to serving others.”
Investigation Continues
While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy remain unclear. The NTSB is diligently working to uncover the truth and piece together the events that led to the fatal crash.
Conclusion:
As North Dakota mourns the loss of Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two children, the community comes together to remember the life of a devoted public servant, husband, father, and military officer who left an indelible mark on those he served.
FAQs:
A1: The tragic plane crash in Utah claimed the lives of Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two young children.
A2: The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). As of now, the circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear.
A3: Doug Larsen was a Republican state senator from North Dakota who represented District 34. He also served as a lieutenant colonel in the North Dakota National Guard and had a distinguished military service record. He and his wife, Amy, were successful business owners in addition to his political career.
A4: District Republicans will appoint a successor to serve the remainder of Doug Larsen’s term, which extends through November 2024. His Senate seat will also be on the ballot in the upcoming year.