In a devastating turn of events, former New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis, 70, along with another man, lost their lives on Sunday in a small plane crash near Lake Placid, New York.
Key Takeaway
Former New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Russ Francis, along with fellow pilot Richard McSpadden, lost their lives in a plane crash near Lake Placid. Francis, known for his football prowess during his 13-season career, will be remembered as one of the premier tight ends of his era.
The Tragic Accident and Loss
The fatal crash occurred a few minutes after 4 PM near Lake Placid Airport. The aircraft involved was a Cessna 177 Cardinal, a light, single-engine plane that had been in operation since the late ’60s. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the plane experienced an emergency shortly after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport but tragically failed to make the runway.
Tragically, Russ Francis was not the sole casualty. Richard McSpadden, a Senior Vice President for the AOPA and a highly accomplished pilot who had commanded the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, also lost his life in the crash. It remains unclear whether either Francis or McSpadden was piloting the plane at the time of the accident.
The Legacy of Russ Francis
Aside from his passion for aviation, Russ Francis was heralded for his exceptional talent on the football field. The hulking tight end was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft, where he was selected with the 16th overall pick. Francis went on to have an impressive 13-season career, split between the Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout his career, Francis garnered three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro team honors. In a total of 167 games, he showcased his versatility, amassing 393 receptions for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns. His contributions on the field cemented his place as one of the premier tight ends of his era.
Patriots’ Condolences
The New England Patriots organization expressed their deepest condolences following the tragic news of Russ Francis’ passing. Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft released a statement, saying, “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.”
