One of the greatest minds of all time, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has passed away at the age of 76…
Stephen Hawking — one of the most famed scientific minds of all time — has died at the age of 76.
The news was confirmed in a statement released by Hawking’s children Lucy, Robert and Tim on Tuesday.
“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.”
Hawking was a student at the University of Oxford and Cambridge when he began exploring his work in physics and that kicked off a scientific career that lasted throughout his life as he explored theoretical physics and cosmology. Hawking did extensive research on black holes and the effects of gravity on the universe
Hawking also penned several books including his most famous work ‘A Brief History of Time’ that explored the origins of the universe, while explaining phenomenons such as space and time while also digging into scientific wonders such as black holes as well as the theory of the Big Bang.
Hawking was recognized numerous times over the course of his career for his scientific achievements including a Copley Medal, the Albert Einstein Award and he also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
Hawking would go onto write several more books during his lifetime including a sequel to that book titled ‘A Briefer History of Time’ that was released in 2005.
Of course, Hawking spent much of his life confined to a wheelchair after he was diagnosed in college with early onset ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a neurological disorder that gradually paralyzed him over the years. Hawking’s condition never stopped him from working, however, even in latter years when he could only communicate through a single muscle that moved in his cheek that was attached to a computer to help translate his speech.
Hawking’s extraordinary life was eventually turned into a feature film ‘The Theory of Everything’ that won numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Eddie Redmayne for his portrayal of the scientist in the movie.
Hawking appeared on television dozens of times as well including several appearances on the CBS series ‘The Big Bang Theory’.
Hawking is survived by his three children and several grandchildren as well.
