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Physicist Stephen Hawking dies aged 76

Physicist Stephen Hawking dies aged 76

The world-renowned physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76.

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

Prof Hawking’s children Lucy, Robert, and Tim confirmed in a statement that the physicist died peacefully at his home in Cambridge early this morning.

The family 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.

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"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.”

At the age 22 and during his post-graduate studies at Trinity Hall in Cambridge, Hawking was given only a few years to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease.

He spent decades in a wheelchair, and in later years could only speak through specially developed speech software & hardware which translated his hand - and later cheek muscle - movements.

His most famous book - A Brief History of Time - is credited with making complex scientific ideas accessible for a wider audience, and sold more than 10 million copies.

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He also became a well-known figure in popular culture, appearing in cameos for TV shows such as The Simpsons.

A biopic of his life - The Theory of Everything - was released in early 2015.

There have been widespread tributes to Prof Hawking this morning, including from prominent figures and organisations from the world of science.

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