William Anders dies in plane crash: Apollo 8 astronaut, 90, named as pilot killed in Washington fireball smash

Former astronaut William Anders, 90, who was part of the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968, died after crashing his small plane in Puget Sound near Orcas Island in Washington state on Friday.

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest officials said the crash occurred before 11:45 a.m. near Orcas Island.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office explained that the plane was an old model flying north to south when it crashed into the water and sank.

Former astronaut William Anders, 90, who was part of the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968, died Friday after his small plane crashed into Puget Sound near Orcas Island in Washington state.

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest officials said the crash occurred before 11:45 a.m. near Orcas Island. Above is the incredible photo he took of Earth from the moon