William C. McCool - Personal Data

Personal Data

McCool was born September 23, 1961, in San Diego, California, and died on February 1, 2003, over the southern United States when Space Shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry, 16 minutes prior to scheduled landing. He was survived by his wife and children. He enjoyed running, mountain biking, back country hiking/camping, swimming, playing guitar, and chess, and had a home in Anacortes, Washington, at the time of his death.

His favorite song was "Imagine" by John Lennon, which was played during the space mission. His favorite band was Radiohead, and the song "Fake Plastic Trees" was played by mission control as a wake-up call. McCool is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.

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