Former shuttle astronaut killed in jet ski accident

Published on 03/07/2012 00:00

Alan Poindexter, a two-time shuttle astronaut, has died after a jet ski accident in Pensacola, Florida, Nasa said yesterday.

In a statement, the agency said: “The Nasa family was sad to learn of the passing of our former friend and colleague Alan Poindexter. Our thoughts and hearts are with his family.”

Mr Poindexter, 50, was riding jet skis with his two sons in Little Sabine Bay at Pensacola Beach on Sunday when the accident happened, officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

Mr Poindexter’s older son, who is 26, reportedly crashed into the jet ski carrying Mr Poindexter and his 22-year-old son.

The impact knocked Mr Poindexter off the jet ski. He was pulled from the water and taken to the beach where friends attempted to revive him.

He was then flown to hospital, but later died of his injuries. Mr Poindexter’s sons were not injured in the accident, which is under investigation.

Mr Poindexter made two space flights during his career with Nasa, on Atlantis in 2008 and Discovery in 2010.