Man Who Flew to Space With William Shatner Dies in Plane Crash

According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s accident and incident database, the plane was “destroyed” and “crashed under unknown circumstances.” The FAA listed the plane’s activity as “instruction.”

Bezos also expressed his condolences for De Vries’ death on Twitter on Friday.

“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,” Bezos wrote. He added: “Our deepest sympathies are with his partner, Leah, and all his loved ones. The world lost you too soon, Glen.”

The FAA stated that it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, the Wall Street Journal stated. A preliminary report on the potential cause of the crash is expected to be released in about a week.

Before his flight, De Vries said the opportunity was a dream come true.

“I’ve spent my entire career working to extend people’s lives. However, with limited materials and energy on Earth, extending our reach into space can help humanity continue to thrive,” he said. “Furthermore, astronauts can experience the ‘overview effect,’ gaining a new perspective on how fragile and precious our planet, those resources, and our civilization are. Playing a part in advancing the space industry and one day making those resources and that understanding available to everyone, is an incredible opportunity.”