Former NFL tight end Russ Francis, a Pro Bowl player, died in a plane crash in Lake Placid, New York.
The crash happened with another aviation enthusiast, Richard McSpadden.
They were flying a Cessna 177 when the plane encountered trouble.
Russ Francis was the president of Lake Placid Airways and had a long history as a pilot.
Richard McSpadden was a senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and had experience in aviation safety.
Russ Francis had played for the New England Patriots and won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers in 1984.
He was known for his dynamic personality both on and off the field.
The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Russ Francis had an impressive career with 393 receptions, 5,262 yards, and 40 touchdowns.