SAN JUAN ISLANDS (WASHINGTON) [US] Famed NASA astronaut and groundbreaking Apollo 8 crew member William Anders died in a plane crash in Washington state, his son Gregory Anders confirmed, CNN reported.
The 90-year-old space pioneer died untimely in a plane crash in the San Juan Islands.
"My father passed away in a plane crash in the San Juan Islands," Anders told CNN Friday evening.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office released a statement revealing that a plane had crashed off the coast of Jones Island. Initial reports received around 11:40 a.m. PT indicated that "an older model aircraft was flying from north to south, then went into the water near the northern end of Jones Island and sank.,
San Juan Sheriff Eric Peter told CNN in an email that a dive team had been deployed to search the scene.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Anders family is struggling with deep grief. Gregory Anders expressed, "The family is devastated and is grieving the loss of a great pilot."
The San Juan Islands are located about 90 miles north of Seattle.
Born in Hong Kong on October 17, 1933, William Anders began a remarkable journey marked by exemplary service and pioneering achievements.After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1955, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force the following year and earned the title of pilot. Anders' tenure included serving as a fighter pilot in Air Defense Command all-weather interception squadrons in California and Iceland.
His tenure at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory in New Mexico was characterized by his key role in the management of nuclear power reactor shielding and radiation effects programs.
Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1964, Anders' contributions to space exploration were significant and lasting. He served as the backup pilot for the Gemini 11 mission in 1966 and the iconic Apollo 11 flight in 1969.With over 6,000 flying hours, his expertise and dedication were unmatched.
A key moment in his career came in December 1968 when Anders, along with Jim Lovell and mission commander Frank Borman, set out on the historic Apollo 8 mission, becoming the first humans to orbit the Moon. Anders served as lunar module pilot for this unprecedented flight.
During the mission, Anders immortalized a moment of profound significance with his iconic photograph titled "Earthrise", capturing the beauty of Earth against the backdrop of the lunar surface. His poignant reflection on this moment resonates deeply: “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and most importantly, we discovered the Earth.,
This legendary image, described by NASA, reflects Anders' profound realization of the fragility of the Earth and our place within the universe.
"Suddenly I looked out the window, and there was this gorgeous orb coming up," Anders said, describing the Earth.
"For me, it made me realize that the Earth is small, fragile and not the center of the universe," Anders said.
Time Magazine recognized Anders, Lowell, and Borman as "Men of the Year" in 1968, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions to humanity's understanding of the universe.
Following his illustrious career with NASA, Anders held leadership roles of national importance, including serving as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council from 1969 to 1973.President Gerald Ford appointed him as the inaugural Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a position he held. Critically important for nuclear safety and environmental sustainability.
"Bill Anders gave humanity one of the most profound gifts an astronaut can give," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a post Friday on X. Helped: myself."
Nelson added: “He embodied the purpose of lesson and exploration.We will miss him."
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Anders also cherishes his family life with his wife, Valerie, with whom he has two daughters and four sons, CNN reports.
The 90-year-old space pioneer died untimely in a plane crash in the San Juan Islands.
"My father passed away in a plane crash in the San Juan Islands," Anders told CNN Friday evening.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office released a statement revealing that a plane had crashed off the coast of Jones Island. Initial reports received around 11:40 a.m. PT indicated that "an older model aircraft was flying from north to south, then went into the water near the northern end of Jones Island and sank.,
San Juan Sheriff Eric Peter told CNN in an email that a dive team had been deployed to search the scene.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Anders family is struggling with deep grief. Gregory Anders expressed, "The family is devastated and is grieving the loss of a great pilot."
The San Juan Islands are located about 90 miles north of Seattle.
Born in Hong Kong on October 17, 1933, William Anders began a remarkable journey marked by exemplary service and pioneering achievements.After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1955, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force the following year and earned the title of pilot. Anders' tenure included serving as a fighter pilot in Air Defense Command all-weather interception squadrons in California and Iceland.
His tenure at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory in New Mexico was characterized by his key role in the management of nuclear power reactor shielding and radiation effects programs.
Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1964, Anders' contributions to space exploration were significant and lasting. He served as the backup pilot for the Gemini 11 mission in 1966 and the iconic Apollo 11 flight in 1969.With over 6,000 flying hours, his expertise and dedication were unmatched.
A key moment in his career came in December 1968 when Anders, along with Jim Lovell and mission commander Frank Borman, set out on the historic Apollo 8 mission, becoming the first humans to orbit the Moon. Anders served as lunar module pilot for this unprecedented flight.
During the mission, Anders immortalized a moment of profound significance with his iconic photograph titled "Earthrise", capturing the beauty of Earth against the backdrop of the lunar surface. His poignant reflection on this moment resonates deeply: “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and most importantly, we discovered the Earth.,
This legendary image, described by NASA, reflects Anders' profound realization of the fragility of the Earth and our place within the universe.
"Suddenly I looked out the window, and there was this gorgeous orb coming up," Anders said, describing the Earth.
"For me, it made me realize that the Earth is small, fragile and not the center of the universe," Anders said.
Time Magazine recognized Anders, Lowell, and Borman as "Men of the Year" in 1968, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions to humanity's understanding of the universe.
Following his illustrious career with NASA, Anders held leadership roles of national importance, including serving as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council from 1969 to 1973.President Gerald Ford appointed him as the inaugural Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a position he held. Critically important for nuclear safety and environmental sustainability.
"Bill Anders gave humanity one of the most profound gifts an astronaut can give," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a post Friday on X. Helped: myself."
Nelson added: “He embodied the purpose of lesson and exploration.We will miss him."
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Anders also cherishes his family life with his wife, Valerie, with whom he has two daughters and four sons, CNN reports.
