First Man On The Moon: Neil Armstrong Dead At 82

Neil Armstrong, the man who made "one giant leap for mankind" when he became the first man to walk on the moon died at 2:45 p.m on Saturday, after complications of a recent cardiac bypass surgery, according to NBC news.

Armstrong's family released a statement this afternoon confirming his death:

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.

While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

Armstrong sealed his place in history on July 20, 1969, when he and his partner Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Of his historic walk, he said "The sights were simply magnificent, beyond any visual experience that I had ever been exposed to."

Despite his great accomplishments, Armstrong remained a modest man. "I am, and ever will be, a white socks, pocket protector, nerdy engineer," he once said in a rare public appearances. "And I take a substantial amount of pride in the accomplishments of my profession."

NASA tweeted about the news of his passing " NASA offers its condolences on today's passing of Neil Armstrong, former test pilot, astronaut & the 1st man on the moon. Neil was 82."

President Obama chimed in calling the legend one of "...the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time."

Armstrong was born Aug. 5, 1930, on a farm near Wapakoneta in western Ohio. His fondness for airplanes led him to earn a license to fly at just 16-years old and ultimately led to his legendary career with NASA.

RIP Neil Armstrong.