How did Wally Schirra die?

Wally Schirra: The End of a Trailblazing Journey

We lost a true space pioneer on May 3, 2007, when Walter Marty “Wally” Schirra Jr. passed away at the age of 84. He wasn’t just any astronaut; Wally was the only guy to fly in all three of NASA’s original space programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. Talk about a triple threat! He breathed his last at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, California.

Initially, the story of what happened wasn’t exactly clear. NASA’s press secretary mentioned cancer, but wouldn’t confirm it was the main cause. Other reports floated around, some saying he’d been in the hospital for cancer treatment. Then, the San Diego Air and Space Museum stepped in, saying it was a heart attack that took him. Later on, the picture became a little clearer: the heart attack was brought on by stomach cancer. A tough end to a remarkable life, no doubt.

Schirra’s death really did mark the end of an era, didn’t it? It was like losing another piece of the foundation of the American space program. I remember reading about the Mercury Seven as a kid, and Schirra always stood out. Scott Carpenter, another Mercury astronaut, summed it up perfectly, calling him a “dear friend, cherished comrade, and a brother.” NASA Administrator Michael Griffin echoed that sentiment, recognizing Schirra as one of the giants who first dared to venture beyond our atmosphere.

But Wally Schirra was more than just an astronaut. He was a Naval Academy grad, a Korean War vet who earned his stripes as a Navy combat pilot, and a skilled test pilot to boot. Back in ’59, when he was chosen as one of the Mercury Seven, he instantly became part of history. He wasn’t just along for the ride, either. His technical know-how, his sharp piloting skills, and his knack for explaining complicated stuff made him a key player at NASA. He wasn’t just respected; he was admired. And rightly so.