Professor Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, a spokesman for his family has said.
His family released a statement late Tuesday night confirming his death at his home in Cambridge, England
Hawking’s children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him forever.”
Hawking suffered from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and was confined to a wheelchair for much of his adult life. Diagnosed at age 21, he was one of the world’s longest survivors of ALS.
Hawking is widely recognized as one of the greatest minds ever to grace this earth.
Rest in peace, Professor Hawking!
