17 May 2023
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A Wichita activist has died in a plane crash in Nebraska.
The Kansas Republican Party confirms Mark Gietzen died Tuesday. According to the Wichita Eagle, Gietzen died in a small plane crash in north-central Nebraska.
FAA records show a Cessna 172 airplane crashing around 6 pm Tuesday in O’Neil, Nebraska. He was the only one on board.
Gietzen was an anti-abortion activist with Kansans For Life and led the Kansas Republican Assembly. In addition, he campaigned against the city adding fluoride to the water system to help prevent tooth decay, citing what he believed were health threats fluoride posed.
He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Kansas Legislature five times, and for Mayor of Wichita in 2019. Gietzen received a $5,000 fine from the Kansas Ethics Commission for failure to submit timely campaign receipt-and-expenditure reports for his unsuccessful mayoral bid. He also challenged the results of “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment.
Funeral services are pending.
The Kansas Republican Party posted the following statement on Facebook:
With sadness and prayer, the KSGOP regrets to report Mark Gietzen of Wichita, KS, a longtime and highly effective and active pro-life advocate, supporter, and leader, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Nebraska.
Prayers for Mark, his family, and his friends are encouraged at this challenging time.
Mark was known, loved and respected by many across Kansas for his endless efforts to save babies from abortion. His presence, determination and hard work will be greatly missed.
Funeral arrangements are pending. This post will be updated when details become available.
Kansas Republican Party