Tragic Plane Crash Claims Former NFL Player Russ Francis And Aviation Expert
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| Photo: Instagram/Russ Francis |
A tragic plane crash in Lake Placid has claimed the lives of two individuals, one of whom was the former NFL tight end, Russ Francis.
Russ Francis, who was a standout player with the New England Patriots and achieved Super Bowl victory with the 1984 San Francisco 49ers, met his untimely demise in this unfortunate incident. Alongside him was Richard McSpadden, another aviation enthusiast.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after their departure from Lake Placid Airport on a single-engine Cessna 177 around 4 p.m. on Sunday when the aircraft encountered difficulties, resulting in a crash into an embankment at the airport's corner, as reported by New York State Police.
Russ Francis, who was a standout player with the New England Patriots and achieved Super Bowl victory with the 1984 San Francisco 49ers, met his untimely demise in this unfortunate incident. Alongside him was Richard McSpadden, another aviation enthusiast.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after their departure from Lake Placid Airport on a single-engine Cessna 177 around 4 p.m. on Sunday when the aircraft encountered difficulties, resulting in a crash into an embankment at the airport's corner, as reported by New York State Police.
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| Photo: Instagram/Russ Francis |
Russ Francis had a deep-rooted passion for aviation, serving as the president of Lake Placid Airways, a company specializing in charter and scenic flights. His aviation journey spanned nearly five decades, and he previously operated a charter service in Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Richard McSpadden held the position of senior vice president at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was renowned for his expertise in aviation safety. Notably, he had also served as the commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Francis's football career was equally illustrious. He began as a first-round draft pick for the New England Patriots in 1975 and remained with the team until 1980, earning recognition on the franchise's all-decade team for the 1970s and the 35th-anniversary team. His prowess on the field was exemplified by three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1977 to 1979.
Afterward, he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1982, contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 1984. He returned to the Patriots in 1987 before retiring a year later, concluding a career marked by 393 receptions, 5,262 receiving yards, and 40 touchdowns.
This tragic incident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as authorities seek to determine the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
Read Next: Baseball Legend Tim Wakefield Passes Away A Tribute To A Red Sox Icon
Source: AP News
Meanwhile, Richard McSpadden held the position of senior vice president at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was renowned for his expertise in aviation safety. Notably, he had also served as the commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Francis's football career was equally illustrious. He began as a first-round draft pick for the New England Patriots in 1975 and remained with the team until 1980, earning recognition on the franchise's all-decade team for the 1970s and the 35th-anniversary team. His prowess on the field was exemplified by three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1977 to 1979.
Afterward, he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1982, contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 1984. He returned to the Patriots in 1987 before retiring a year later, concluding a career marked by 393 receptions, 5,262 receiving yards, and 40 touchdowns.
This tragic incident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as authorities seek to determine the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
Read Next: Baseball Legend Tim Wakefield Passes Away A Tribute To A Red Sox Icon
Source: AP News
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