‘We are truly heartbroken’: Family of Franco Harris release first statement after his death

Family of Franco Harris release statement after Hall of Famer’s death

Updated: 12:50 PM EST Dec 22, 2022

One day after the world learned of the death of Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris, his family is speaking out. Harris died at the age of 72. No cause of death has been released. He is survived by his wife, Dana Dokmanovich, and son, Dok.“We are truly heartbroken. The reality of losing such a magnificent individual has not yet settled in. We have shared Franco with so many people throughout our lives and in so many ways. Beyond his incredible career in the NFL Franco represents what is best in humanity: kindness, charity, decency and humility. He led by example on and off the field with the goal of making this a better world for us all. We know he has touched so many of you and we mourn with you. We will remain steadfast in living and achieving the world he wanted to build.”Harris’ death came two days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the play that provided the jolt that helped transform the Steelers from also-rans into the NFL’s elite, and three days before Pittsburgh is scheduled to retire his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Harris had been busy in the run-up to the celebration, doing media interviews Monday to talk about a moment.”It’s going to be sad, but Steeler Nation is going to run wild on Saturday,” Albert Martinez, who made the trip to Pittsburgh from California for the game, said.Not long after the news of Harris’ death surfaced, Steelers faithful made the trip to the Immaculate Reception Monument outside of Acrisure Stadium.”He gave Pittsburgh a sense of pride and celebration,” Dan Angelucci, who was the first to place a bouquet of flowers and a Terrible Tower at the monument, said.A bronze footprint marks the exact spot where Harris made his historic catch. The print is weathered, a physical representation of the sheer number of black and gold fans who have made the pilgrimage to recreate the reception for themselves.