The first American astronaut to fly around the Earth died

John Glenn, the first American astronaut circling Earth's orbit and the oldest man ever to enter space, died on December 8 at age 95.

According to official information from Community College spokesman John Glenn, astronaut Glenn died at James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth.(Source: AP).

In the official statement, US President Barack Obama called Mr Glenn "a friend" and stressed that the US " lost a symbol".

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, who is in Columbus, pays homage to the "great American hero".

The US Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also posted a condolence message for Mr Glenn's departure on Twitter, confirming that Mr Glenn was "a true American hero".

Born on July 18, 1921, Mr. John Glenn was the first American to fly around Earth orbit in 1962 during the Friendship 7 ship.

In 1988, he became the oldest person to fly into space, at the age of 77. Besides his astronaut career, Mr. Glenn served in the Second World War before working for NASA and holding the position. Democratic Senator for 25 years.

He is remembered as the man who restored the prestige of the American space program and helped pave the way for the Moon's program in 1969.