Former NFL Player Russ Francis and Ex-US Air Force Commander Die in Plane Crash
In a tragic incident, former American football player Russ Francis, aged 70, and Richard McSpadden, aged 63, an ex-US Air Force commander, lost their lives in a plane crash. The accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when their small aircraft encountered trouble shortly after taking off from an upstate New York airport.
The New York State Police reported that their Cessna 177 plane crashed into an embankment at the corner of Lake Placid airport right after departing the runway.
Mr. Francis, who achieved Super Bowl victory with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985, was also the president of Lake Placid Airways, a company that offers charter and scenic flights. He held a pilot’s license for nearly half a century. During his playing career, he spent 13 seasons as a tight end with both the 49ers and the New England Patriots, earning Pro Bowl selections for the Patriots for three consecutive seasons from 1977 to 1979.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his condolences, saying, “Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career. He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it. He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits, and lived his life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with Russ’s family, friends, teammates, and the many Patriots fans who mourn his loss.”
The San Francisco 49ers also released a statement, expressing their sorrow at the tragic passing of Mr. Francis and extending their deepest condolences to the Francis family during this difficult time. Mr. Francis joined the 49ers in 1982 and was part of the team that secured a Super Bowl victory against Miami in January 1985. He returned to New England in 1987 and retired the following year, leaving behind a remarkable career with a total of 393 catches, 5,262 receiving yards, and 40 touchdowns.
Mr. Francis’s impressive statistics rank him 21st of all time in catches and 16th in receiving yards for the Patriots, and 30th and 32nd in the same categories for the 49ers.
On the other hand, Mr. McSpadden was a senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, known for his expertise in aviation safety. His career included a role as the commander of the Thunderbirds, a US Air Force demonstration squadron and display team.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash.