GRAPEVINE — Wally Funk, the aviator who became the oldest person to travel to space in 2021, died on July 8, 2026, at the age of 87. She died at her apartment in an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas.

Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell said she was present with Funk at the time of her death. O'Dell identified herself as Funk's caregiver and stated that Funk had experienced recent falls and had an infection in her leg. "It took its toll," O'Dell said.

Funk was one of 13 female pilots who underwent the same testing as NASA's all-male astronaut corps in the early 1960s. Despite participating in these tests, Funk did not travel into space during the early 1960s program.

In 2021, at age 82, Funk fulfilled her goal of space travel aboard a Blue Origin rocket. Jeff Bezos selected her as an honored guest for the flight, where she traveled with Bezos and two other individuals. At the time of her flight, Funk was the oldest person to have gone into space. The Blue Origin rocket conducted an up-and-down hop from West Texas.

The record for the oldest person in space was later surpassed by William Shatner and Ed Dwight, both of whom were 90 years old during their respective spaceflights. Ed Dwight was notable as America's first Black astronaut candidate.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman issued a statement regarding Funk's passing. Isaacman said, "Wally Funk never stopped believing that one day she would reach space. Her passion for flight, perseverance, and love of exploration will continue to inspire generations of Americans. Godspeed, Wally."