FORMER NFL legend Russ Francis has reportedly been killed in an airplane crash in Lake Place, New York on Sunday.
The former 70-year-old San Francisco 49ers tight end died, alongside the pilot, in the plane crash, according to the Lake Placid News.
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The crash occurred around 4.09pm EST at the end of the Lake Placid runaway, via the report.
Francis had recently purchased the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour business at the airport.
Richard McSpadden, the organization’s senior vice president of air safety, also died in the crash, per the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Francis and McSpadden were flying the plane out of Lake Placid Airport when the aircraft “experienced an emergency after takeoff.”
The plane attempted to return to the runaway but crashed in a ravine near the airport.
Russ’ death was confirmed by his brother, Ed Francis, in a Facebook post.
Francis’ son’s mom also announced the news in a social media post while also revealing that the Super Bowl champion and McSpadden were long-time friends.
“To Russ, flying was like breathing…it came naturally and he lived for it,” Kate Naiman wrote.
“He used to fly his P-51 Mustang to practice and land in the stadium parking lot and really piss off Bill Walsh.
“There will be some comfort down the road in knowing that he died doing the thing he loved most, but not today.
“Not today.”
A product of Oregon, Francis was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 1975.
He’d spend 14 years in the NFL and played in three Pro Bowls.
The former tight end played with the 49ers for five seasons and was part of the Super Bowl XIX-winning team.
In the legendary game, Francis posted 5 catches for 60 yards.
He had a second stint with the Patriots in 1987 and would retire from the NFL two seasons later.
Francis finished his NFL career with 393 receptions for 5,262 yards and 40 touchdowns.
