Longtime San Francisco 49ers executive Dave Rahn dies at 50

Dave Rahn, longtime media relations director for the San Francisco 49ers, died Thursday after battling melanoma for more than two years. He was 50.

Rahn, who lived in San Diego with his wife, Holly, was beloved and admired by many, both in the media and around the league, where he worked for the 49ers from 1986 to 2002. Later, he was the concert tour manager for Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow and Lionel Richie.

Rahn was able to mingle and reminisce with dozens of former players and colleagues in July during a celebration of his life at the San Diego home of former 49ers linebacker Gary Plummer. Everyone at that event wore red “Team Dave” jerseys.

Among those who made the trip to visit him in recent weeks were former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, Hall of Famers Steve Young and Ronnie Lott and, in the final days, Eddie Debartolo, who owned the team during its run of five Super Bowl victories.

“He had an amazing ability to connect with people,” said Kirk Reynolds, who worked with Rahn then replaced him as 49ers public-relations director. “Part of that was because he never took himself too seriously. He had an unbelievable sense of humor. People really fell in love with that and always felt connected to him because of that. He connected with people on a level that left such an impact.”