Former NFL player among two dead in Lake Placid plane crash

Two people have been killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid, authorities said, including a former National Football League player.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a single-engine Cessna crashed at Lake Placid Airport just before 5 p.m. Sunday, with two people on board. The plane, registered to Lake Placid Flying Service, “crashed at the northeast corner of the airport striking an earth embankment,” according to the New York State Police.

The NYSP identified the victims as Russ Francis, 70 of Hampton, N.H., and Richard McSpadden, 63 of Frederick, Md.

Francis played in the NFL for 13 seasons with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. A tight end, Francis was a three-time Pro Bowl selection from 1976-78, and was a member of the 49ers’ Super Bowl-winning 1984-85 team.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said in a statement that Richard McSpadden was a senior vice president of the association.

“The Cardinal 177 in which Richard was in the right seat experienced an emergency after takeoff. The airplane attempted to return to the airport but failed to make the runway. Both occupants lost their lives,” a statement read.

The FAA said a joint investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board will be conducted.