Influential physicist and author Stephen Hawking has died aged 76

He is reported to have passed away in his home.

Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist, shaper of modern cosmology and author of the bestseller A Brief History Of Time, has died. His family shared a sweet message in the hours following his passing (via The Guardian): "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 for ever." Hawking had long dealt with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neurone disease) leading to his paralysis and health complications over the years. He was given just a few years to live when he was initially diagnosed in his 20s, but went on to live well into his eight decade. Tributes soon began pouring in once news of his death had been made public: https://twitter.com/SamanthaJPower/status/973769196256530432 https://twitter.com/AlJean/status/973775549473714179 https://twitter.com/neiltyson/status/973772335537893377