MOAB, UT – A tragic plane crash in Utah claimed the lives of North Dakota State Senator Doug Larsen, his wife, and their two young children on Sunday evening. The small aircraft, piloted by Larsen, went down shortly after takeoff from Canyonlands Airfield, located approximately 15 miles north of Moab, according to a statement from the Grand County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash occurred during the family’s return trip from a visit to relatives in Scottsdale, Arizona. They had made a stop in Utah to refuel. The sheriff’s department confirmed that all four passengers on board the single-engine Piper plane were killed in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The agency will be examining the aircraft, reviewing air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports, and maintenance records of the aircraft. They will also be looking into the pilot’s medical records and flight history.

Larsen, a Republican, was first elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2020. He represented Mandan, a city neighboring Bismarck to the west across the Missouri River. In addition to his legislative duties, Larsen chaired a Senate panel that handled industry and business legislation. He was also a lieutenant colonel in the North Dakota National Guard and a business owner, along with his wife, Amy.

The Larsen family’s loss will be felt deeply within their community and the state’s political landscape. District Republicans will appoint a successor to complete the remainder of Larsen’s term, which runs through November 2024. His Senate seat will be up for election next year.

Moab, where the crash occurred, is a tourism-focused community of about 5,300 residents near Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.