Russ Francis
Former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis, aged 70, tragically lost his life in a plane crash at Lake Placid, New York. The crash also claimed the life of Richard McSpadden, a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds commander. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, with the plane rolling hard to the left.
Francis had a successful football career, playing for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, earning three Pro Bowl selections, and winning a Super Bowl in 1984. In retirement, he pursued his passion for aviation, recently acquiring Lake Placid Airways. The NFL community and Francis’ family mourn his sudden and tragic loss.