Tributes are pouring in for Stephen Hawking, who has sadly passed away at the age of 76.
The famed theoretical physicist and author of ‘A Brief History of Time’ died peacefully at his home in Cambridge, England, on Wednesday.
In a statement released to The Guardian, his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said, “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.”
Stephen had his children Lucy, Robert and Tim with his first wife Jane, who he divorced in 1995 after 30 years of marriage.
Stephen went on to marry Elaine Mason that same year, and they were together 11 years before ending their marriage.
The physicist was diagnosed with motor neurons disease at the age of 21 in 1963, and was given just two years to live.
His condition gradually paralysed him over decades, which left him only able to communicate by using a single cheek muscle that was attached to a device that allowed him to speak.
Despite his condition, Stephen continued his studies at Cambridge University, and went on to change the subject of cosmology.
Since the news of his death broke, many have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
Not to be forgotten amid all the tributes to Stephen Hawking – his passionate defence of the NHS and his equally passionate views on the damage Brexit will do to science and to the country he loved.
— Alastair Campbell (@campbellclaret) March 14, 2018
Actor Eddie Redmayne has paid tribute to Stephen Hawking. Eddie played the professor in the 2014 film, The Theory of Everything. pic.twitter.com/bMSAiSDxd4
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 14, 2018
Tribute to Stephen Hawking, the legendary scientist who redefined modern cosmology and inspired generations of young minds. Condolences to his family and admirers. Rest In Peace
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 14, 2018
Sad to hear about Stephen Hawking. What a remarkable life. His contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists, and there are many more scientists because of him. He spoke about the value and fragility of human life and civilisation and greatly enhanced both
— Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) March 14, 2018
Remembering Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and ambassador of science. His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on @Space_Station in 2014 pic.twitter.com/FeR4fd2zZ5
— NASA (@NASA) March 14, 2018
Genius is so fine and rare. Goodbye Professor Hawking. You inspired and taught us all. pic.twitter.com/9Drdnv2eEe
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) March 14, 2018
His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it’s not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018
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