Michael Collins was often referred to as the "forgotten" astronaut.

Michael Collins, the third astronaut alongside Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin for the historic Apollo 11 mission, has died. He was 90.

Collins, who has been referred to as the "forgotten" astronaut, remained in orbit to pilot the command module Columbia while Armstrong and Aldrin took the first steps on the moon on July 20, 1969.

A statement from his family confirmed the astronaut's death on April 28 following "a valiant battle with cancer."

Collins's death leaves Aldrin as the only surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew.