Glen de Vries, 49 was one of Blue Origin‘s newest astronauts. He survived a trip to space with actor William Shatner in October. But, unfortunately, less than a month later, he lost his life in a tiny plane crash in New Jersey on Thursday.
“Our thoughts and support go out to Glen’s family,” says a spokesperson for Dassault Systèmes. De Vries was the vice-chairman of life sciences and healthcare there. Our deepest sympathy also goes out to our MEDIDATA team, which Glen co-founded. His tireless energy, empathy, and pioneering spirit have certainly left their mark on everyone who knew him. We will truly miss Glen. But his dreams which we share, live on. We will pursue progress in life sciences & healthcare as passionately as he did,” the spokesperson says.
We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Glen de Vries
However, according to state troopers, de Vries was accompanied on board by Thomas P. Fischer, 54. FAA records, de Vries was certified as a private pilot. With an instrument rating, allowing him to fly into clouds and exclusively based on a plane’s instruments. We are certainly devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Glen de Vries,” a spokesperson for Blue Origin said. “He brought so much life and energy to the entire Blue Origin team and to his fellow crewmates. His passion for aviation, his charitable work, and his dedication to his craft will long be revere and will receive admiration.”