What was the cause of the death of Alan Shepard?

Alan Shepard, the pioneering American astronaut, died from leukemia.

He battled the disease for a period before his passing. Shepard was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996 and succumbed to the illness on July 21, 1998, in Pebble Beach, California.

Alan Shepard's Final Years

After a remarkable career that saw him become the first American in space and the fifth person to walk on the Moon, Alan Shepard lived a full life before his diagnosis. His battle with leukemia was a private struggle in his later years.

Key details surrounding his death include:

• Diagnosis: Shepard was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996.
• Date of Death: He passed away on July 21, 1998.
• Location of Death: His death occurred in Pebble Beach, California.

The Enduring Legacy of an American Hero

Alan Shepard's contributions to space exploration are immense. His career highlights include:

• Project Mercury: On May 5, 1961, Shepard piloted the Freedom 7 spacecraft, making him the first American to travel into space. This suborbital flight was a crucial step in the early U.S. space program.
• Apollo Program: Years later, as commander of Apollo 14 in 1971, Shepard became the fifth person to walk on the Moon. During this mission, he famously hit two golf balls on the lunar surface.

His life and death are part of the historical record of human spaceflight. You can learn more about his incredible journey and impact on space exploration by visiting resources such as his biography on NASA's website.

Overview of Alan Shepard's Death