Family of suicidal plane thief 'shocked' but I have a theory

The family of the man who authorities say stole a Horizon Air turboprop aircraft from Sea-Tac International Airport and apparently committed suicide with it told the media they were in "complete shock." His friends say he was a "friendly guy" and nobody seems to know why he did it.

Richard Russell, 29, the man in question who liked to be called Beebo, is presumed dead.

He was a ground service agent for Horizon Airlines, a sister carrier of Alaska Airlines, and once ran a bakery with his wife. His social media showed his love for travel and his airline job was a perk that allowed him to travel often.

Russell was born in Key West, Florida and moved to Wasilla, Alaska when he was 7 years old. He was currently living in Sumner, Washington, according to a Web page he set up for a college communication class.

While he never mentioned of studying for his pilot's license, he did mention in some of his online posts of his Christian faith and the possibility of joining the military.

According to authorities, Russell commandeered an empty Bombardier Q400. It's a 107 feet long turboprop. He flew it for about an hour and was often erratic in his handling of the plane and attempted doing aerial stunts before crashing on Ketron Island in Puget Sound. Authorities say that he appeared to have acted alone and was suicidal, the local sheriff said.

His family said in a statement: "It may seem difficult for those watching at home to believe, but Beebo was a warm, compassionate man."

On radio communication during his deadly flight, Russell was heard saying, "Got a few screws loose, I guess. Never really knew it until now."

Everyone seemed to like him and described him as outgoing and friendly. He was a star athlete at Wasilla High School where he ran track and was also on the wrestling team.

Gary Howell, a Wasilla High track and field coach, remembers Russell as a funny guy who always had a smile and a joke and was a great team player.

"Absolutely the kind of kid you want on your team," Howell told the Anchorage Daily News.

The wrestling coach said similar things about him.

He reminds one of Robin Williams--everyone liked him and he seemed happy.

I wonder if he suffered a concussion or some kind of brain injury that went unnoticed or unreported in his wrestling career.

It's also possible that he actually hoped to land the plane because he said, "Do you think if I land this plane successfully they'll give me a job as a pilot?"

But I'd go with the first possibility.

Very sad.

Rest in peace, Richard.


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