Heartbreak
In Orlando
Predators Head Coach Fran
Papasedero passes away.
Orlando
Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero, 35, was tragically killed in a one-car
accident on 6/19/03.
He was killed when he reportedly lost control of his car and was ejected
from it when it overturned several times.
Police were unsure if Papasedero was wearing a seat belt and could not
determine if road conditions, excess speed or intoxicants were implicated
in the crash.
"Off the field, Fran was a generous, caring and fun-loving man,"
said Commissioner David Baker. "But, when it came to winning, he
was as fierce a competitor as there was in the AFL. Our sympathies go
out to Fran's family, the Orlando Predators, and to all those whose lives
were touched by this great man. We are thankful for the impact he had
on the game and our league. He will be deeply missed."
Papasedero succeeded Jay Gruden, as Orlando's head coach in 2001 when
Gruden returned to play quarterback for the Predators. He served as an
assistant with Orlando for four seasons prior to the promotion.
The Predators went 12-4 this season and won a playoff game before losing
to Tampa Bay in the league semifinals.
Papasedero played five seasons, beginning his AFL career as a lineman
for the Albany Firebirds in 1993.
He was the father of a 2-year-old daughter, Vivian.
