9 hours after Blue Origin despatched one other plane to the sting of area and again with a protected touchdown, the spacecraft’s proprietor despatched a heartfelt tweet about deaths from a twister earlier that morning that took the lives of his staff.
And social media blasted off on Jeff Bezos, the Amazon govt whose firm misplaced six staff within the highly effective storm that swept southern and midwestern states late Friday night time and into Saturday morning.
The storm that dropped an estimated 38 tornadoes ripped aside an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois—which is simply east of St. Louis. The warehouse collapse resulted in six deaths, in response to the newest stories Saturday. One other particular person was airlifted to an area hospital and 45 others made it out of the constructing safely.
The highly effective storm wreaked havoc from northern Arkansas and into Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and different locations within the Missouri Valley. The general loss of life toll is predicted to be above 100, with most coming in western Kentucky.
In the meantime on Saturday morning in Texas, Blue Origin despatched six passengers into area. The 60-minute flight went to the sting of area and safely parachuted again to Earth, carrying 4 paying flight members together with ex-NFL star Michael Strahan and Laura Shepard Churchley, whose father was famed astronaut Alan Shepard.
Strahan and Shepard Churchley have been “honorary friends,” in response to Blue Origin, which is owned by Bezos.
The flight took off round 9 a.m. CT from Texas. It went supersonic pace to go 60 miles above the planet in simply 10 minutes. Then, it slowly descended again, touchdown round 10 a.m., or 11 a.m. ET.

Picture by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
At 8:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, after a full day’s price of actions that included the touchdown of Blue Origin, the Military-Navy recreation, the Heisman Trophy presentation and rising physique depend from the lethal storm, Bezos despatched a tweet that said he was heartbroken about his staff dying within the storm.
“The information from Edwardsville is tragic. We’re heartbroken over the lack of our teammates there, and our ideas and prayers are with their households and family members,” Bezos tweeted. “All of Edwardsville ought to know that the Amazon group is dedicated to supporting them and can be by their aspect by means of this disaster. We lengthen our fullest gratitude to all of the unimaginable first responders who’ve labored so tirelessly on the web site.”
For many who observe Bezos on Twitter, it appeared to be too little and too late.
Wow. Heartfelt. What template was that in Office365?
— Fred Pandrok (@fredpandrok) December 12, 2021
Jeff you actually must be saying how a lot you will give to assist these households… as an alternative or alone with the same old company line. ???
— Reginald L. Sanders (@reglarge777) December 12, 2021
“Jeffy you have to be stating one thing like: On Monday I will promote 1 billion(or extra) price of inventory to assist all of the individuals affected by this tragedy,” wrote one other.
“Why did it take so lengthy for all of the PR corporations to approve this tweet. Too little. Too late,” one particular person wrote.
Actually a day late and a greenback quick.
— Steven Smith (@scubawho) December 12, 2021