Russ Francis, who starred for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, was killed Sunday in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York.
Also killed was Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden.
Francis grew up wanting to fly, and he spent his life in the sky. He was 70.
“Russ Francis and I became close friends right away,” North Elba Town Supervisor Derek Doty told the News. “His energy was infectious and was so excited to be an integral part of our community.