Russ Francis, a former NFL Pro Bowl tight end, and his family confirmed on social media that he was one of the two fatalities in Sunday’s plane crash in upstate New York. He was seventy years old.
“My older brother Russ Francis was recently died in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York,” said Ed Francis, the younger brother of Francis, alongside a picture of his brother during a 49ers game. It goes without saying that my family and I are utterly destroyed. My brother had always loved to fly, so it seemed like a natural way for him to depart away. “God bless you, my older brother!”
Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), also perished along with Francis. According to Lake Place News, the collision occurred on Sunday at 4:09 p.m. The Cessna 177 Cardinal that the two men were traveling in “had an emergency after takeoff,” according to a statement released by AOPA.
“On behalf of the entire New England Patriots organization, we express our profound sympathy to the family of Russ Francis, who unfortunately passed away yesterday,” said a statement released by the team’s CEO and chairman, Robert Kraft. Throughout his playing career, Russ was one of the fans’ favorites. In addition to being a tremendous player on the field, he had a huge personality off it. He lived life to the fullest, pushed the envelope, and knew no bounds. We are praying for Russ’s friends, teammates, family, and the many Patriots supporters who are grieving his death.”
The San Francisco 49ers issued a statement Monday, saying, “The San Francisco 49ers are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former tight end and Super Bowl XIX champion Russ Francis. We send our deepest condolences to the Francis family during this difficult time.”
Francis, a Seattle native, was chosen by New England in the 1975 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons as a player for the organization and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Following the 1980 season, he retired and spent a year as an ABC Sports pundit. Francis conducted an interview with Bill Walsh, the 49ers’ then-head coach, at the 1982 Pro Bowl. Walsh had just led the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory. Francis was persuaded to come out of retirement by Walsh.
Francis signed a contract with the 49ers in 1982 and played for the team for six seasons. In 1985, he recorded a career-high 44 receptions and won the Super Bowl after the 1984 season. Francis spent the last two years of his career with New England after being discarded by the 49ers during the 1987 campaign.
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