Famous physicist Stephen Hawking passes away at 76

The world known physicist and scientist, Stephen Hawking, passed away late Tuesday night at the age of 76.

Stephen Hawking’s family announced that the renowned physicist has passed away. Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) back in 1963 when he was 21, and was given a deadline of approximately two years to live, but fortunately, though paralyzed, he survived for half a century before passing away last night at the age of 76.

“My disabilities have not been a significant handicap in my field, which is theoretical physics. Indeed, they have helped me in a way,” Hawking once wrote, as per The Verge.

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According to Sky News, in a statement, the physicist’s children, Lucy, Robert and Tim expressed with deep sorrow, “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 humor 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.”

Born on January 8, 1942, Hawking was believed to be the world’s great physicist after Albert Einstein. He was the one who gave deep insights about the universe, gravity, black holes, space, and even contributed to work trying to unify Einstein’s theory of relativity with quantum physics. He was awarded numerous honorary degrees. In 1988 he penned down 'A Brief History of Time' that described an overview of astronomy and modern physics. His book successfully sold over 10 million copies.

“It is with great sadness we announce the death of Professor Stephen Hawking CH CBE FRS FRSA at the age of 76. Professor Hawking died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of this morning. His family has 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 read.