About a week ago, on a cool, rainy night, a twin engine Cessna took off from Parks Airport in Cahokia, Ill. heading for New Madrid, Mo. On board were Missouri Governor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Mel Carnahan; his son, Randy Carnahan; and his aide, Chris Sifford. Unfortunately, the plane did not make it to the planned destination. Shortly after taking off, it crashed into a wooded hillside, about seven miles north of Hillsboro.

Firefighters searched through the dense fog and woods but found only unidentifiable human remains and debris from the plane. Witnesses claim they heard what sounded like a plane diving at an accelerated pace, then an explosion, followed by a fireball.

The plane took off at approximately 7 p.m. Monday, and lost radar contact at 7:33 p.m. that evening. Reports in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch claim that the plane dropped 3,200 feet in just nine seconds. The average descent for that type of aircraft is reportedly 1,000 feet per minute.

Later that night, Jerry Nachtigal, the governor’s press aide, was answering questions from the media. “We know there is a plane down at Jefferson County, and that’s all I can say right now,” said Nachtigal.

Around 11 p.m. the lieutenant governor and state treasurer were called back to Jefferson City from St. Louis. Later that night Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson was appointed acting governor.

Tuesday, the day after Carnahan’s death, legislatures from all over the country sent their condolences to Jefferson City. “He loved his state, and he fought hard for every person in it. Mel had a quiet, humble demeanor and his commitment to families in Missouri made a difference in the lives of millions of people. His real passion was children and education,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt, (D-St. Louis County).

“Mel Carnahan’s career and greatness were marked by his gentle humor and tireless passion for public service and the people of Missouri,” said Parris Glending, governor of Maryland, and chairman of the National Governors’ Association.

“Although we were competing for the same office, Governor Carnahan and I had a unique relationship united by the common bonds of public service and respect for the people of Missouri,” said U.S. Senator John Ashcroft (R-Missouri), in an address on the U.S. Senate floor.

Carnahan was also remembered in moments of silence at Savvis Center before the Blues game last Thursday, at Arrowhead Stadium before the Rams and Chiefs game on Sunday, and at the presidential debate one day after his death.

Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush offered their condolences to the Carnahan family and to the state of Missouri before answering their first questions.

In the early moments after his death, Carnahan was remembered as a Governor who promoted public service for bettering the state. “His death will have an important effect on Missouri politics. He was able to bring together many groups who had not been able to previously come together,” said Saint Louis University Political Science Professor, Dr. Steven Puro. “These groups include women, minorities and unions.”

“He was a caring individual who showed that public service could be a noble cause and public service could enhance the general well-being of the state,” said Puro.

Despite the fact that Mel Carnahan is deceased, his name will still be on the November ballot. This does not mean that his opponent, John Ashcroft, will win the election. If Carnahan is voted in, the current Missouri governor, Roger Wilson, will appoint someone to the empty seat.

Last Tuesday, Wilson announced that he will ask Carnahan’s widow, Jean Carnahan, to fill the seat. She has not yet responded to the situation.

Even though it is not known who will fill the spot, there still seems to be strong support for Carnahan in November. Students at SLU are still strong in their support for the late Governor. In some classrooms, students voiced the opinion that they would rather vote for a dead man than John Ashcroft. However, many voters seem weary of the possible appointment, and they don’t want to vote for someone they don’t know.

It was announced in the Post-Dispatch yesterday that Republican leadership may challenge Wilson’s appointment in court if Carnahan wins. Ann Wagner, chairman of the state GOP, claimed that Wilson could violate the Hatch Act, an anti-corruption law that prevents promising employment or other benefits for political activity.

Despite the political furor beginning to sprout around the death of Mel Carnahan, he will be remembered fondly by many. Several towns, such as Rolla, have already held memorial services for the late governor.