Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking, world renowned Physicist and shining star of science, whose insights shaped modern cosmology and inspired millions of global audiences, has died at the age of 76.

The world was known for his work with black holes and relativity. He wrote several popular science books including A Brief History of Time.

At the age of 22 Prof Hawking was given only a few years to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease.

Departed soul’s family released a statement in the early hours of Wednesday morning confirming his death at home in Cambridge.

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“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today”, said Hawking’s 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 humor inspired people across the world.

He left three children, Robert, Lucy and Timothy, from his first wife Jane Wilde, and three grandchildren.