A Russian probe targeted for Mars instead recently crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The event itself wasn't all that unusual.
Spacecraft sometimes fail.
The United States itself lost a probe just before it reached Mars not too long ago. The Soviets had entered space first with Sputnik, a tiny probe that sent a shock wave through this country, but focused America on science and technology in a way that changed us forever. I speak to groups around the country about my time in the astronaut corps. It was a great time and I am proud to have been part of a team that demonstrated to the world what the U.S. could do. At the same time, I like to remind the audiences of what space can accomplish for our future.