Retired astronaut killed in jet ski crash

Alan G. Poindexter dies in crash with son

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Officials say a retired astronaut died in a jet ski crash off Pensacola Beach.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say 51-year-old Capt. Alan G. Poindexter was riding on a jet ski with his 22-year-old son Sunday afternoon when his 26-year-old son crashed into them with another jet ski.

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The Pensacola News Journal reports Zachary Poindexter hit the rear of the jet ski, knocking his father into the water.

Wildlife agency spokesman Stan Kirkland says Poindexter was pulled from the water and taken to the beach where friends performed CPR. He died a short time later at a hospital.

Zachary Poindexter and his brother Samuel were not injured.

The fish and wildlife agency is investigating the crash.

Poindexter piloted the Atlantis space shuttle in 2008.


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