A Life Remembered

Richard Bryan Russell was born on September 19th, 1989, in Key West, Florida, weighing 9 pounds at birth. Fondly known as "Beebo" by his family and friends, Richard was a kindhearted, adventurous, and deeply thoughtful person whose legacy extends far beyond the events of August 10th, 2018.

A Childhood in Alaska

At the age of seven, Richard moved with his family to Wasilla, Alaska, where he spent most of his formative years. Growing up, he was known for his warm personality, humor, and strong sense of morality. He was an athlete, a traveler, a man of faith, and a loyal friend who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

During high school, Richard excelled in sports, playing as a fullback on the football team, wrestling, and competing in track and field. His natural leadership extended beyond athletics—he was known for bringing people together, hosting non-alcoholic bonfires to give friends an alternative to high school drinking parties.

One of his close friends recalled how Richard always looked out for others, recalling a time when she nearly rolled her car into a ditch. He stopped, comforted her, and stayed by her side until her family arrived. "He just tried to get everybody on the straight and narrow with laughter and kindness," she said, describing him as "a brother bear."

Love, Faith, and Education

After high school, Richard briefly attended Valley City State University in North Dakota before transferring to Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Oregon. It was there that he met his future wife, Hannah, at a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting. The two married in 2012 and later ran a small bakery together in North Bend, Oregon, before moving to Washington.

Richard was a man of deep Christian faith, particularly drawn to the Book of Ephesians. His connection to scripture was so strong that he tattooed the word "BUT" in Hebrew on his wrist, inspired by Ephesians 2:13:

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

His mother later explained that Richard called this the 'biggest BUT in the Bible', emphasizing its message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation. He even had an audio recording of the book of Ephesians saved on his YouTube account.

Richard earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and had a passion for helping others. Those closest to him described him as someone who found his purpose in a Christ-like love for people.

A Passion for Travel and Exploration

Richard was an adventurer at heart, and traveling was one of his greatest joys. He took full advantage of the flight benefits from working at Horizon Air, using them to explore the world and help his family experience new places.

A close childhood friend recalled their last meeting, a trip to Las Vegas for pizza and beer, where Richard spoke about his dreams and his love for travel. Even while working as a ground service agent, a job he admitted was difficult, he found meaning in it by helping his mother and family travel the world.

Beyond physical travel, Richard was also a seeker of knowledge. He read extensively and was always interested in new ideas and perspectives. Though he was quiet at times, those who knew him well saw a mind full of curiosity and a heart full of compassion.

A Final Resting Place Across the World

After his passing, Richard's ashes were spread in several places that were meaningful to him:

Near Ephesus, Turkey, at the House of the Virgin Mary, in honor of his love for the Book of Ephesians.
The Dolomites in Italy, a place of breathtaking beauty.
Cook Inlet, Alaska, near where he grew up.
Key West, Florida, where he was born.

Richard's family visiting the crash site.

His family honored his love for travel and his spiritual connection to the world by ensuring he would rest in places that held deep meaning to him.

A Life That Touched Many

Though Richard's story is often overshadowed by the tragic way it ended, he was so much more than his final moments. He was a devoted husband, a caring son, a loyal friend, and a man of faith and adventure. He loved people deeply and wanted to make the world a better place.

His memory has been immortalized in online communities, with many seeing him as a sort of hero, a man who defied the mundane and, for a brief moment, soared higher than anyone expected. As Rolling Stone journalist Tim Dickinson wrote:

"The internet Beebo Russell is an archetype: a modern-day Icarus whose dramatic dying act has become a blank slate for others to project meaning upon that informs their own lives. They see a working man, broken down by indifferent bosses—a human cog in the airport machinery who suddenly revolted, stole an airplane, buzzed a volcano, sassed air traffic controllers, and performed airshow stunts in a final dogged display of the human spirit. His story is true Americana."

But beyond the mythology that surrounds him, Richard Russell was simply a person—kind, intelligent, and deeply loved. His family, friends, and those who knew him remember him for who he was, not just what happened that night.

Richard's story reminds us all to check in on the people around us, to listen when someone seems to be struggling, and to offer kindness, always. His life, though cut short, was one that mattered. And his impact—on those who loved him and those who only knew of him after he was gone—will never be forgotten.

Richard and his mother.

💙 Rest in peace, Beebo. You are remembered.

Richard Bryan Russel