A genius passes. RIP Stephen Hawking! What a life!
"Stephen Hawking dies aged 76, family says
Updated 13 minutes ago PHOTO: Stephen Hawking previously said his active mind and sense of humour were key to his survival. (Reuters: Mike Hutchings)
Physicist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, British media is reporting his family as saying.
He died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of this morning, according to a statement from his family.
"His family have kindly requested that they be given the time and privacy to mourn his passing, but they would like to thank everyone who has been by Professor Hawking's side — and supported him — throughout his life," the statement said.
His children Lucy, Robert and Tim said they were deeply saddened by their father's passing.
"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," they said.
"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."
The University of Cambridge will be opening a book of condolence at Gonville and Caius College for those wishing to pay tribute to his life.
In 1963 Professor Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and was given two years to live.
He went on to become a researcher at the University of Cambridge and Professorial Fellow at the Gonville and Caius College.
He was a Lucasian Professor at the university from 1979 to 2009, a position previously held by Isaac Newton in 1663.
His was dubbed one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein.
More to come.
PHOTO: Stephen Hawking previously said his active mind and sense of humour were key to his survival. (Reuters: Mike Hutchings)
