Astronaut return marred by brother's death

SEPANG, Malaysia, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Celebrations for the return of Malaysia’s first space traveler were marred by the death of the pioneer’s brother.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor returned from his first space mission on board the International Space Station Oct. 21 after learning his younger brother, Mustafa Shukor Al Masrie, slipped into a coma following head trauma, the Malaysian Star reports.

Hundreds of people welcomed Dr. Shukor’s return at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Mustufa Shukor passed away Saturday.

Dr. Shukor missed his brother’s funeral Sunday, said later reporting by the Malaysian Star, because of flight delays.