Rep. Mike Collins shout out to the sky king

>https://x.com/RepMikeCollins/status/1822227219667657064

On #ThisDayInHistory in 2018, 28 year-old Richard Russell, later known as 'Sky King,' borrowed an airplane from Seattle-Tacoma Airport and took it for a joyride for over an hour before crashing into a remote Island.

Russell had started working as a ground crew member to visit his family in Alaska more often. Despite having no flying experience other than video games, he quickly became fascinated with aviation. On the evening of August 10th, he managed to access an aircraft and take off smoothly before other employees realized something was wrong.

During his joyride, Russell flew over Mount Rainier and the Olympics Mountain, executed a perfect barrel roll, and asked for GPS coordinates of an orca and calf recently spotted.

Air traffic controllers, two F-15 fighters, and a civilian pilot tried to convince Russell to land the plane, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Eventually, the plane ran out of fuel and Russell directed it into Ketron Island. His death was ruled a suicide, potentially linked to brain injuries from previous concussions.

Russell’s family noted that “he was a faithful husband, a loving man, and a good friend… He was right in saying that there are so many people who loved him.” Rest in peace, Sky King. ✈️👑