Glen de Vries, the technology entrepreneur who was a passenger on Blue Origin's manned flight into space, has died in a plane crash. De Vries died at the age of 49.
De Vries' death was confirmed by New Jersey Police who found the single-engine Cessna 172 in the area near Lake Camp. The plane was found to be flying from Essex County Airport to Sussex Airport.
He flew with Thomas Fischer, owner of the Fischer Aviation flight school and pilot instructor. Fischer also died in this accident.
De Vries was one of four passengers to fly into space on Blue Origin's second manned flight on a New Shepard rocket, on October 13, 2021.
In addition to de vries, the flight was also attended by actor William Shatner, former NASA engineer Chris Boshuizen, and Blue Origin Vice President of Mission and Flight Operations Audrey Powers.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, also expressed his condolences via social media.
Such a tragic loss. Warm and full of life, Glen made us laugh and brightened the room. He was a visionary, and an innovator - a true leader. Lauren and I are deeply saddened and will continue to remember the precious time we spent together. Bezos in his tweet, as quoted from Gizmodo, Saturday (11/13/2021).
"Our deepest sympathies go out to his partner, Leah and all his loved ones. The world lost you too soon, Glen," he added.
According to Federal Aviation Administration data, the plane was destroyed and crashed under unknown circumstances. The accident is being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Before flying into space with Blue Origin, de Vries admitted that this opportunity had succeeded in realizing his dream. de Vries's career has focused on developing software for medical research.
"To play a role in advancing the space industry and to one day make that resource and understanding available to everyone is a tremendous opportunity," said de Vries.
