02 October 2023 , 16:51
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Former NFL star Russ Francis has died in a plane crash alongside one other person in a horrific accident in Upstate New York, according to reports.
The three-time NFL Pro Bowler was riding in a private aircraft alongside Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of the Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Air Safety Institute. Both died in the crash on board a Cessna 177RG on October 1, according to Lake Placid News.
Personnel from the New York State Police, the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers and emergency services all were in attendance in Lake Placid. Police spokesperson Brandi Ashley has since confirmed they are investigating the crash.
It was confirmed by AOPA that the aircraft had "experienced an emergency after take-off" and the pilot attempted to return to the airport. However, the plane would instead crash into a ravine near the airport, killing both Francis and McSpadden.
Francis, aged 70, had recently bought the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour business. During a glittering 13-year career in the NFL, he turned out for two stints with the New England Patriots and won the 1984 season's Super Bowl while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. He was named to the Patriots All-1970s team and 35th-anniversary team.
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The news of his passing has led to some emotional reactions from family members, alongside friends. The mother of the former tight end's son, Kate Naiman, took to Facebook to pay a heartfelt tribute to Francis following his death.
Her post read: "I am shattered to share that my son's father, NFL great Russ Francis, passed away, along with a friend, in a plane crash Sunday afternoon. One of the hardest things I've ever done was to choke those words out to Michael.
Russ Francis turned out for the San Francisco 49ers during a glittering NFL career (Getty Images)"Sending aloha to Russ's partner Jaxie, to Michael's sister Rachel and brother Riley, to Russ's sister, Pixie, and brothers Bill and Uncle. My heart aches for all of you."
North Elba Town supervisor Derek Doty also paid tribute to the former NFL great, calling the news a "terrible tragedy". A friend of the Patriots legend, he added his own personal reflection on Francis, saying: "His energy was infectious and was so excited to be an integral part of our community."
AOPA also paid tribute to McSpadden, with a post on their website. It read: "Richard was a very accomplished pilot, including serving as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, and a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.
"Richard is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Grant; and his daughter, Annabel. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this time."