Astronaut, and first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong passed away today at the age of 82. He is said to have succumbed to post-surgery complications after having undergone heart surgery on August 8th, just three days after his birthday.

Neil Armstrong announced the immortal words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," after stepping off the lunar module and onto the moon's surface as part of the Apollo 11 mission launched on July 20th of 1969. An estimated 500 million TV viewers watched the event, making it one of the biggest televised moments in human history.

After landing on the moon, Neil Armstrong went on to lead a quiet, sheltered life, refusing to sign autographs and making few public appearances. He last appeared in public back in 2003, when he helped celebrate the 100th Anniversary of powered flight.

Neil has been the subject of many movies and documentaries over the years. He voiced a small role in the 2010 animated adventure Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey, playing a doctor.

The family made this statement in honor of his passing.

"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."