Scientist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76, a spokesman for his family has said. Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement: "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 forever."
The world-famous physicist and cosmologist was the subject of the 2014 film The Theory Of Everything, which starred Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
Hawking contracted motor neurone disease in 1963 and was given two years to live but he went on to study at Cambridge and became one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein.
Also read | RIP Stephen Hawking: Modern cosmology's brightest star passes away
Professor Hawking was honoured with numerous awards, including Adams Prize, Eddington Medal, Maxwell Medal, Heineman Prize, Hughes Medal, Einstein Award, RAS Gold Medal, Dirac Medal, Wolf Prize, Prince of Asturias, Gemant Award, Naylor Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom and Fundamental Physics Prize.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed sorrow on the demise. "Sad to hear of the passing of scientist Stephen Hawking. His brilliant mind made our world and our universe a less mysterious place. And his courage and resilience will remain an inspiration for generations," President Kovind said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the great scientist, "Professor Stephen Hawking was an outstanding scientist and academic. His grit and tenacity inspired people all over the world. His demise is anguishing. Professor Hawking’s pioneering work made our world a better place. May his soul rest in peace."
Professor Stephen Hawking was an outstanding scientist and academic. His grit and tenacity inspired people all over the world. His demise is anguishing. Professor Hawking’s pioneering work made our world a better place. May his soul rest in peace.
The scientific community and his fans are heartbroken by his demise. As soon as the news got out, the social media platform twitter erupted with obituaries and dedications.
Several Hawking fans shared their disbelief on his demise.
"Wow, Stephen Hawking. Kind of feels like a constellation went out or something. I thought he always was and would be. What a life," said a fan on Twitter.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said that Prof Hawking's death has left an intellectual vacuum.
"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," Tyson tweeted.
"RIP Dr Stephen Hawking. Your loss is an immeasurable blow to the world. Thank you for reminding us to always be curious," Dan Casey, an author of sci-fi books wrote on Twitter.
"Stephen Hawking, confined to a wheel chair, had thoughts flicker in his brain that changed the world more than entire generations of modern politicians. With some luck, with his passing will come some perspective as well as appreciation," David Rothkopf said on Twitter.
"Idk (I don't know) why I Lowkey just figured Stephen Hawking was immortal like I never thought he’d die in my lifetime, I thought he would just guide humanity into like the stars or something forever (sic)," another fan tweeted.
Dean Murphy wrote 'Stephen Hawking’s brief history ended tonight'.
