Sally Ride, first American woman to fly in space, dies of cancer - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Sally Ride, first American woman to fly in space, dies of cancer at age 61

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WASHINGTON, DC -

Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space, has died. She was 61.

NASA confirmed her death Monday afternoon. Her office in San Diego said she died of pancreatic cancer.

Ride flew into space on the shuttle Challenger in 1983 when she was 32. Learn more about her career here.

President Barack Obama is calling her a national hero and a "powerful role model". In a statement, the president says Ride "inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars" and "fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math" in the nation's schools.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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