Fatal Plane Crash Takes the Lives of US Republican Senator Doug Larsen and Family in Utah

In a devastating incident, Republican State Senator Doug Larsen, along with his wife and two children, lost their lives in a plane crash shortly after takeoff. This tragic accident occurred following a refueling stop in Utah, as confirmed by Senate Majority Leader David Hogue on Monday.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/

In a devastating incident, Republican State Senator Doug Larsen, along with his wife and two children, lost their lives in a plane crash shortly after takeoff. This tragic accident occurred following a refueling stop in Utah, as confirmed by Senate Majority Leader David Hogue on Monday.

The fatal crash took place on Sunday evening, just after departing from Canyonlands Airfield, located approximately 24 kilometers north of Moab, a desert recreation town. According to the Grand County Sheriff's Department, Senator Doug Larsen was piloting the small plane, resulting in the unfortunate demise of all four passengers.

In an email to fellow senators, David Hogue expressed his sorrow, stating, "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 after a refueling stop in Utah."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the crash. An NTSB spokesperson mentioned that an investigator would arrive at the scene to document evidence, review air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports, and contact potential witnesses. Additionally, they will request the aircraft's maintenance records, pilot's medical records, and flight history.

The preliminary report on the crash is expected within a few weeks, followed by a comprehensive final report in approximately a year to a year and a half.

Doug Larsen, a Republican senator first elected in 2020, represented the district encompassing Mandan, a city adjacent to Bismarck. He chaired a Senate committee responsible for handling industry and business legislation and, along with his wife Amy, was a business owner.

Larsen's commitment extended beyond politics; he served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 29 years, with deployments to Iraq and Washington, DC, earning several accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Aviator Badge.

Governor Doug Burgum praised Larsen's dedication to his various roles, while Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann of the North Dakota National Guard described him as a true patriot.

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Senator Scott Meyer fondly remembered Larsen for his passion for flying and sense of humor. The Republican Party will appoint a successor to complete Larsen's term, which extends through November 2024.

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the North Dakota community, where Senator Doug Larsen was not only a dedicated lawmaker but also a beloved figure.