Famous Apollo 8 Astronaut Who Took ‘Earthrise’ Photo Killed In Plane Crash

Retired Major General William Anders was killed in a tragic small plane crash on Friday. He was 90 years old. Anders was a part of the Apollo 8 crew. While on the mission, he was the astronaut who took the legendary photo entitled, “Earthrise,” while in lunar orbit. The flight took place in December, 1968.

Anders and the crew of Apollo 8 were participants of the very first human flight to not only leave Earth’s gravitational sphere of influence, but also the first human crewed spacecraft to reach the Moon’s orbit. The trip’s purpose was to orbit around the Moon ten times and then return to Earth, but while in orbit, astronaut William Anders took one of the most iconic photos of all time, “Earthrise.”

His son, Greg Anders, confirmed the tragic news to Associated Press, saying,

“The family is devastated. He was a great pilot, and we will miss him terribly.”

Son of Astronaut William Anders, Greg Anders

Rescue crews were dispatched after reports came in about the plane’s incident. The location, between the Orcas and Jones Island, in Washington, was reported by the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest. He was flying in a vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor, and was flying solo. He was the only victim in the crash and this information was confirmed by the FAA.

#BREAKING: @USCG units along with San Juan County Sheriffs are responding to reports of a plane crash between Orcas and Jones Island. Air Station Port Angeles and Station Port Angeles are on-scene conducting search and rescue efforts. Updates to follow.

— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) June 7, 2024

#UPDATE: @USCG has ended its search for the pilot involved in the plane crash off eastern Jones Island. Here is the link to the press release for more info: https://t.co/jwfWCF7kzx

— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) June 8, 2024

NASA’s Bill Nelson released a statement on X, saying,

In 1968, during Apollo 8, Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him.

Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator

In 1968, during Apollo 8, Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/wuCmfHpu3g

— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) June 8, 2024