Russ Francis, the former San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl winner, died in an aircraft crash over the weekend, his
family revealed on social media. He was seventy years old.
On Sunday afternoon, two passengers were flying in a Cessna 177 Cardinal, a single-engine plane, just outside Lake
Placid, New York. Shortly after takeoff from Lake Placid Airport at approximately 4:05 p.m. ET, the aircraft
“impacted terrain under unknown circumstances” following a strong roll to the left, resulting in the crash, according
to National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Keith Holloway. Both occupants were killed.
Multiple sources, including Francis’ brother on social media, confirmed the victims as Francis and Richard
McSpadden, a former commander of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
Francis joined the 49ers in 1982 after playing six seasons for the New England Patriots, where he was a three-time
Pro Bowl tight end. He momentarily retired in 1981, but famous 49ers head coach Bill Walsh persuaded him to sign
with the team and restart his playing career.
Francis was the Niners’ starting tight end for over six seasons and played an important role in the team’s 1985 title.
In the Niners’ Super Bowl XIX victory over the Miami Dolphins, Francis caught five passes for 60 yards, ranking
third on the team.
Throughout his 13-year NFL career, he appeared in 75 games with the 49ers, starting 65.
“The San Francisco 49ers are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former tight end and Super Bowl XIX
champion Russ Francis,” the team stated in a statement Monday. “We send our deepest condolences to the Francis
family during this difficult time.”
Ed, Francis’ brother, commented on Facebook that flying was his “lifelong passion” and “perhaps a fitting way for
him to go.”
