Neil Armstrong Dead At 82

Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon, or any other planetary body, is dead. He was 82. Armstrong was the commander of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. He, along with Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, walked on the moon for approximately three hours in July 1969.

Armstrong was recovering from surgery earlier this month to treat blocked coronary arteries. Initial reports indicate his family have issued a statement explaining his death was the result of complications of that surgery.

FAMILY STATEMENT REGARDING THE DEATH OF NEIL ARMSTRONG

NASA has distributed the following statement from the Armstrong family regarding the
death of former test pilot and NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong. He was
82.

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed
away following complications resulting from cardiovascular
procedures.

Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed
he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy
fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back
home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a
community leader in Cincinnati.

He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his
life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the
expressions of good will from people around the world and from all
walks of life.

While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his
remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people
around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be
willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a
cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple
request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty,
and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon
smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

NASA ADMINISTRATOR STATEMENT ON NEIL ARMSTRONG'S DEATH

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
regarding the death of former test pilot and NASA astronaut Neil
Armstrong.

"On behalf of the entire NASA family, I would like to express my
deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of Armstrong family on the
passing of Neil Armstrong. As long as there are history books, Neil
Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's
first small step on a world beyond our own.

"Besides being one of America's greatest explorers, Neil carried
himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When
President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon,
Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation.

"As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on
the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend,
fellow astronaut and true American hero."

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