(Goldman) 19 years ago this week, then-Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan died in a plane crash near the community of Goldman in Jefferson County.

His son Randy, who was the pilot of the plane, and Carnahan’s spokesman, Chris Sifford, also died in the crash.

On that stormy night, they were on their way to a campaign rally in New Madrid.

Carnahan was elected posthumously to the U.S. Senate about three weeks later, topping John Ashcroft for the seat.

Carnahan’s widow, Jean, filled the seat for two years.

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