Governor Parnell ordered that flags be lowered tomorrow in memory of former Representative Cheryl Heinze.

Heinze died from injuries sustained in a Cessna floatplane crash on Homer’s Beluga Lake on Tuesday. She was 65. The floatplane crashed as it was landing on the lake.

“Sandy and I were saddened to learn of the news of Representative Heinze’s passing,” Governor Parnell said. “She was a dedicated legislator who cared deeply for Alaska. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Harold, her family, colleagues and friends.”

Throughout her life, Heinze worked as an artist, and a writer and belonged to many organizations in the state, some of which were Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Symphony League, and Breast Cancer Focus.

Heinze served one term as the Representative of Anchorage’s District 24 during the 23rd Legislative Session. Heinze was also the Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.