Stephen Hawking dies aged 76
He died peacefully in his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, his family said.
He was known for his work with black holes and relativity, and wrote several popular science books including A Brief History of Time.
"We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today," his children said.
At the age of 22 Stephen Hawking was given only a few years to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease.
He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years," his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement. "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."
