Legendary physicist Stephen Hawking dies at the age of 76

One of the greatest physicists in the history of science, Stephen Hawking, has died at the age of 76. The man who was considered a medical marvel for having survived for more than half a century with the devastating condition motor neurone disease, died at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, March 14.

Sky News quoted his children saying, " We have 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."

His research book, A Brief History of Time, made him a household name for explaining complex scientific theories to the masses.

• Stephen Hawking
• dead