Russ Francis, a former Patriots player, perishes in a plane crash close to Lake Placid
“Flying was like breathing to Russ—it came effortlessly and it was what he lived for,” As Kate Naiman put it
Russ Francis, a former NFL tight end, perished in a private jet crash close to Lake Placid on Sunday.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, an investigation into the Oct. 1 Cessna 177RG crash in Lake Placid, New York, is ongoing.
Francis, 70, played for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots during the course of a 13-season career.
The former NFL player’s passing was described as a “terrible tragedy” by North Elba Town Supervisor Derek Doty, a spokesman for New York State Police Troop B, Brandi Ashley confirmed to the Adirondack Daily. Francis and he quickly became close friends, he said, saying, “His energy was infectious and he was so pleased to be a vital part of our group.”
Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports that Lake Placid Airways was recently acquired by the former New England Patriot. Senior vice president of the Air Safety Institute of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Richard McSpadden, was also on board and perished in the collision.
In a statement posted on its website, AOPA confirmed McSpadden’s passing: “We are profoundly saddened to hear that Richard McSpadden passed away in an aircraft accident on Sunday afternoon west of Lake Placid, New York. Richard was in the right seat of the Cessna 177 Cardinal when it had an emergency after takeoff. The aircraft missed the runway in its attempt to return to the airport. The two occupants perished.
The statement went on, “Richard was a very successful pilot who, throughout his military career, served as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. He was also a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.” Richard leaves behind his daughter Annabel, son Grant, and wife Judy. Right now, our thoughts are with Richard’s family.
“I am saddened to share that my son’s father, NFL great Russ Francis, fell suddenly, along with a buddy, in an aircraft crash Sunday afternoon,” Kate Naiman posted on Facebook.
For Russ, taking to the skies was a natural instinct, much like breathing. Bill Walsh used to get pretty upset with him when he would fly his P-51 Mustang for practice and land in the stadium parking lot. Though not today, it will bring some solace in the future to know that he passed away doing what he enjoyed most. Not today,” she continued.
