Legendary Astronaut William Anders Dies In Plane Crash

• Former U.S. astronaut William Anders, known for the iconic “Earthrise” photo, dies at 90 in a plane crash off Washington state.

• Anders was piloting the small plane alone when it crashed on June 7; his body was recovered by a dive team.

• Anders was a key member of the Apollo 8 mission, one of the first humans to orbit the Moon.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that renowned former United States astronaut William Anders has reportedly died in a plane crash. Anders was best known for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photograph from space more than 55 years ago.

EDITOR’S PICK

• Private Sector Endorses ₦60,000 Minimum Wage, Cautions On Higher Wages
• Reps Review: Problem-Solving Skills To Be Introduced To Nigeria’s School Curriculum
• Saudi Arabia Declares Sallah: Dhul Hijjah Crescent Sighted

Reports emerging over the weekend revealed that the plane crash occurred on Friday, June 7. Anders, aged 90, was confirmed dead.

AFP quoted Anders’ son, who disclosed that his father was piloting a small plane that crashed off the coast of Washington state on Friday morning. Unfortunately, he was alone in the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, a dive team successfully recovered his body, as reported by The Seattle Times, citing a Coast Guard spokesperson.

Anders was a vital member of the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968 and played a pivotal role in becoming one of the first humans to orbit the Moon alongside his fellow Americans, Frank Borman and James Lovell.

During their mission, the crew completed 10 lunar orbits without landing before safely returning to Earth on December 27, 1968.

FURTHER READING

• FG Aims For Balanced Economy In Minimum Wage Negotiations
• Senate Demands Immediate Review Of Security Strategies Amid Rising Insecurity
• Government Plans To Relocate Ikoyi Prison From Urban Area, Says Interior Minister

It was during one of these orbits that Anders captured the breathtaking photograph of our bright blue planet juxtaposed against the vast darkness of space, with the Moon’s cratered surface in the foreground.

Click below to watch our video of the week: