According to TMZ Sally Ride has passed away. 

Gossip website TMZ is confirming that Sally Ride has passed away.

Sally Ride, the first – and youngest American woman in space made the history books in 1983 when she blasted off into space on board the Shuttle Challenger.

Sally’s career with NASA started when she answered a newspaper ad in 1978 as NASA was seeking applicants for their brand new space program.

Sally Ride died today at the age of 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

More From 103.7 The Loon