Oct. 2 (UPI) — Former Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis, known for his stints with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, sadly passed away at the age of 70 due to a plane crash in Lake Placid, N.Y., authorities confirmed on Monday.
The New York State Police reported that Francis and Richard McSpadden, 63, were flying in a Cessna 177, which crashed into an embankment at the Lake Placid Airport on Sunday afternoon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 4 p.m., but both Francis and McSpadden were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane crashed “under unknown circumstances short of the runway” during an attempted landing.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the involvement of the Police, FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
McSpadden, who held the position of senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute, was seated in the right seat of the aircraft during the incident, according to the AOPA. The AOPA also stated that the plane “experienced an emergency after takeoff” and attempted to return to the airport but failed to make it to the runway.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of former New England Patriots tight end Russ Francis. Our condolences are extended to Francis’ family and friends. pic.twitter.com/sgrrPZ5Ui4— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2023
“On behalf of the entire New England Patriots organization, we extend our sincerest sympathies to the family of Russ Francis, who tragically passed away yesterday,” expressed Patriots owner Robert Kraft in a statement. “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.”
During his career, Francis achieved three Pro Bowl selections out of his six seasons. He began his professional journey as the No. 16 overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft for the Patriots. After retiring in 1980, he later rejoined the field in 1982 to play for the 49ers, where he won a Super Bowl in 1985. Francis then returned to the Patriots during the 1987 season before concluding his career with them in 1988.
Former New England Patriots tight end Russ Francis
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., looks on during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on May, 11 2023. Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in U.S. Senate history, died at the age of 90 on September 29. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
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