Neil Armstrong, First Man On The Moon, Dead At 82

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, the face of the space race, the NASA legend, and quite possibly the most famous astronaut in history, died today at age 82.

We previously reported on Armstrong’s unexpected heart surgery weeks ago, a procedure that he was in recovery from. Reports from his wife said that the astronaut was doing well, recovering at home. Regrettably, news of his death was announced today by NBC.

Armstrong is best known for leading the Apollo 11 team that landed on the moon on July 20th, 1969. On this mission, he confirmed to mission control that he had taken man’s first steps on the moon with the now-famous “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” stepping onto the moon’s surface and walking around for almost three hours with another now-famous astronaut, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.

Armstrong and his wife, Carol, married in 1999 and made their home in a Cincinnati suburb. Aside from a few scant public appearances, the couple largely avoided the limelight despite Armstrong’s international renown as the first man on the moon. He did make a guest appearance at an Ohio State University event in February, and gave a speech honoring astronaut John Glenn. He also supported the opening of the National Flight Academy in May with Gene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the moon.

NASA offers its condolences on today’s passing of Neil Armstrong, former test pilot, astronaut & the 1st man on the moon. Neil was 82.

— NASA (@NASA) August 25, 2012

Cause of death is not know at this time, nor has Armstrong’s family released any kind of statement. Stay tuned to IQ, as we’ll be here minute to minute with updates and in-depth coverage.

Rest in peace, Neil Armstrong. IQ sends condolences to the family of the first man on the moon. Today we truly lost a national hero and are poorer in his absence.