PASCO, Wash. – The Planetarium and Observatory Director of Columbia Basin College in Pasco died on Mon., Aug. 5 following a medical issue, according to a statement from her family.
Erin Steinert, 41, experienced a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot, on Monday and did not regain consciousness.
“Our hearts are broken to share this statement from the family of our dearly treasured Planetarium and Observatory Director, Erin,” said the CBC Planetarium on Friday. “We would not exist without her passion and joy. We know she touched all those who had the privilege of attending a show she hosted, and she loved what she did so much.”
Before her passing, Steinert was the director of the Planetarium, which opened in Dec. 2012 and has since hosted over 147,000 visitors, 44 percent of which were high school students and younger.
“Erin’s family is grateful for your support and kindness as we notify the many people who knew and loved her,” said Steinert’s family. “Please hold onto your questions for now, but please do share, grieve, and lean on one another as we celebrate this extraordinary life.”
The statement says memorial arrangements and dates are coming soon.
