An October 1960 plane crash left 16 Cal Poly football players and six other passengers dead. Billy Ross was one of 26 who survived.
Katharine Gore
Special to Mustang News
Billy Ross, a survivor of the 1960 Cal Poly football team plane crash, died on Jan. 20, after a long-term illness, according to a university statement issued by the Cal Poly Athletics Department.
Ross passed away in Bakersfield, Calif. at the age of 78, the statement said.
According to the statement, Ross was 25 when he was involved in the October 1960 plane crash that left 16 Cal Poly football players and six other passengers dead. Ross was one of 26 who survived.
Ross was severely burned in the crash and was hospitalized for seven months while he received skin grafts and rehabilitation, the statement said.
The statement said Ross went back to Cal Poly and graduated with a physical education degree in 1963.
Ross made a career in teaching physical education, driver’s education and health, the statement said. He also coached football, until foot injuries sustained in the plane crash forced him to quit.
The Cal Poly men’s basketball team will hold a moment of silence in Ross’ memory prior to its home game on Thursday.
Ross’ memorial service will be at noon on Feb. 1, in Bakersfield at the Kern Agriculture Pavilion.