Neil Armstrong, first man on the Moon, dead at 82

Neil Armstrong, best known as the first man to walk on the Moon, died Saturday (25 August) at the age of 82, NBC News has confirmed this weekend.

Armstrong famously lead the crew of Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, and was the first to actually climb on the surface of the moon.

Armstrong is also famous for the iconic phrase, "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," which is what NASA mission control said as he walked the surface of the Moon for about two hours with fellow astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin.

Neil Armstrong was reportedly recovering from heart surgery he suffered a few weeks ago to relieve the blocked coronary arteries, and the family issued a statement explaining that the famous astronaut had died following complications from surgery.

"Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who has always believed that he was just doing his job," said his family. "He served his country with pride, as a Navy fighter pilot, test pilot and astronaut. … He remained a supporter of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost her awe of childhood of these pursuits.

President Obama has also released a statement from the White House: "Neil was among the greatest of American heroes — not only of his time, but of all time. Armstrong and his companions set out to show the world that American spirit can see beyond what seems unthinkable — that drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. "

Labels: Armstrong, First, Moon