Family of man who stole aircraft ‘stunned and heartbroken’

The family of a man who authorities say stole an airplane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday and died when he later crashed the aircraft said they were “stunned and heartbroken” and called him “a warm and compassionate man.”

In a statement, the family said Richard Russell, whose nickname was “Beebo,” was a faithful husband, loving son and good friend.

“As the voice recording show, Beebo’s intent was not to harm anyone and he was right in saying that there are so many people who loved him,” the statement read.

Russell is presumed dead. Authorities don’t know why he took the plane, but he could be heard on audio recordings telling air traffic controllers that he is “just a broken guy.”

The 29-year-old worked for Horizon Air, helping to handle luggage and towing aircraft. Authorities say he had worked Friday, and was in uniform, when he got into the cockpit of a Horizon Airlines Bombardier Q400 plane and took off for an hour-long joyride.

He is believed to have died when the plane crashed into Ketron Island, about 30 miles south of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, setting off a large forest fire. Authorities say he was suicidal.

In a humorous YouTube video he posted last year, he talked about his job and included videos and photos of his various travels.

“I lift a lot of bags. Like a lot of bags. So many bags,” he said.

“He was a quiet guy. It seemed like he was well liked by the other workers,” former coworker Rick Christenson told The Seattle Times. “I feel really bad for Richard and for his family. I hope they can make it through this.”

Christenson told the newspaper he watched the plane and its dangerous stunts, not knowing that the pilot was his former coworker. When he saw smoke rising from the woods, he realized the worst had happened. Credit:AP