Retired Major General William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut renowned for capturing the iconic Earthrise photo in 1968, tragically passed away on Friday in a plane crash in Washington state. The 90-year-old pilot was flying solo when his aircraft plunged into the waters off the San Juan Islands.

His son, retired Air Force Lt Col Greg Anders, expressed profound grief over the loss, highlighting his father’s exceptional piloting skills and the family’s deep sense of loss. William Anders considered the Earthrise photo, depicting Earth as a shadowed blue marble from space, as his most impactful contribution to the space program due to its ecological and philosophical significance.

The crash, involving an older-model Beech A45 airplane, was reported around 11.40 am near Jones Island’s north end. The Federal Aviation Association confirmed that only the pilot was on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.

Senator Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, paid tribute to Anders on the social platform X, acknowledging his pivotal role in reshaping humanity’s understanding of the planet. Kelly praised Anders for inspiring countless astronauts and explorers with his Earthrise photo and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

In a 1997 NASA oral-history interview, William Anders reflected on the risks associated with the Apollo 8 mission, emphasizing the national, patriotic, and exploratory motivations behind the endeavor. Despite estimating significant odds against the mission’s success, Anders remained steadfast in his commitment to the voyage, drawing parallels to Christopher Columbus’s historic journey.

William Anders’ legacy as a pioneering astronaut and visionary photographer continues to inspire future generations of space enthusiasts and environmental advocates. His untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of scientific exploration and discovery.