Russ Francis, former Patriots tight end, dies in New York plane crash

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WLNE) — Russ Francis, former New England Patriots tight end, was one of two people who died in a plane crash in New York on Sunday, WCVB reports.

Officials said the plane experienced an emergency and tried to turn back to the Lake Placid Airport, but did not make the runway.

Francis and fellow pilot Richard McSpadden, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association senior vice president, were killed. Francis was 70.

“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,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft.

“Russ was a fan favorite throughout his playing career. He was a dynamic player on the field who had an even bigger personality off it,” he said. “He knew no boundaries, pushed the limits and lived his life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with Russ’s family, friends, teammates and the many Patriots fans who mourn his loss.”

Francis was a first-round draft pick out of Oregon for New England in 1975.

He played 13 NFL seasons with the Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers.