Washington: US astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to set foot on the moon, died Monday at age 82, NASA announced.
Cernan was the spacecraft commander of Apollo 17 -- his third space flight and the last scheduled US manned mission to the moon -- in December 1972.
"We are saddened by the loss of retired NASA astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon," the United States space agency said on Twitter.
According to a family statement released by NASA, Cernan, a retired naval officer, died following ongoing health issues.
"It is with very deep sadness that we share the loss of our beloved husband and father," the family said.
"Our family is heartbroken, of course, and we truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Gene, as he was known by so many, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend," the statement added.
"Even at the age of 82, Gene was passionate about sharing his desire to see the continued human exploration of space and encouraged our nation's leaders and young people to not let him remain the last man to walk on the moon."
Cernan is survived by his wife Jan, one daughter, two step-daughters and nine grandchildren, the family said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cernan was the spacecraft commander of Apollo 17 -- his third space flight and the last scheduled US manned mission to the moon -- in December 1972.
"We are saddened by the loss of retired NASA astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon," the United States space agency said on Twitter.
"It is with very deep sadness that we share the loss of our beloved husband and father," the family said.
"Our family is heartbroken, of course, and we truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Gene, as he was known by so many, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend," the statement added.
Advertisement
Cernan is survived by his wife Jan, one daughter, two step-daughters and nine grandchildren, the family said.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Did A Massive Dam In China Alter Earth's Rotation? The Truth Behind Viral Claim 220-Foot NF 2024 Asteroid Racing Towards Earth, NASA Alerts NASA Transmits Missy Elliott's Hip-Hop Song To Venus At Speed Of Light Shooter Had Trump's Face Right In Middle Of Crosshairs, Shows New Video World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Barack Obama Wants Joe Biden To Pull Out Of US Presidential Race: Report Israeli Strike Kills Field Commander In Elite Hezbollah Unit: Report Delhi-San Francisco Air India Flight Diverted To Russia After Engine Glitch Congress Does Not Want Manipur Like Situation In Tripura: Gaurav Gogoi Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.