Tech Entrepreneur Who Joined Blue Origin Spaceflight Passes On In Plane Crash
Image via Blue Origin
Medical technology entrepreneur Glen de Vries passed away in a plane crash in New Jersey. The 49-year-old previously recently visited space in a Blue Origin suborbital trip, alongside Star Trek actor William Shatner and two others.
New Jersey State Police said that de Cries was one of two people killed when a single-engine Cessna 172 crashed shortly after takeoff. The other victim was identified as Thomas P. Fisher, 54.
According to GeekWire, de Vries, who co-founded medical software firm Medidata Solutions, which sold for US$5.8 billion, had bought a ticket aboard Blue Origin’s spaceflight for an undisclosed amount.
Following his return to Earth, he told an interviewer at Carnegie Mellon University that he had finally fulfilled his decades-long dream of traveling to space. De Vries said: “I’m excited to be some of the fuel, to use an aviation metaphor, that’s helping this thing take off.”
“The passage of time, just like the resources on Earth, feels more precious with expanded perspective,” he remarked.
Blue Origin tweeted about the tragic loss, saying it was “devastated” to hear of de Vries’ sudden passing.
“We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Glen de Vries. 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 revered and admired.”
Jeff Bezos, founder of the space venture, personally commented on the matter as well. He said: “Such a tragic loss. Warm and full of life, Glen made us laugh and lit up the room. He was a visionary, and an innovator — a true leader. Lauren and I are heartbroken and will remember the precious time we got to spend together.”
We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Glen de Vries. 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 revered and admired. pic.twitter.com/1hwnjntTVs
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) November 12, 2021
(2/2) Our deepest sympathies are with his partner, Leah, and all his loved ones. The world lost you too soon, Glen.
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 12, 2021
[via GeekWire, cover image via Blue Origin]
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