Famed Cosmologist Stephen Hawking Dies Peacefully In His Home At 76

Arguably the most famous physicist in the world, Professor Stephen Hawking was an icon of science and an undeniable champion of the pursuit of knowledge. He inspired the same passion for truth in the younger generation, spawning new scientists with a vision for a greater tomorrow. On Wednesday, March 14th, the scientific luminary passed away peacefully in his Cambridge home at the age of 76.

Prof. Hawking’s death was confirmed by his children, releasing a statement providing details with regards to his legacy. Their words mimicked the same sentiments of scientists and fans all over the globe with regards to the inspiring figure.

“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,” their statement reads.

“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 for ever.”

Aside from his brilliant mind, which has caused massive changes in the physics and scientific community throughout the decades, it was Prof. Hawking’s iron will that made him such a huge source of inspiration for many people. Diagnosed with a degenerative motor neuron disease at the age of 21, he was only given two years to live. He fought to extend this deadline several times over.

Even as the ideas and contributions of this legendary scientists are lauded and praised, however, many have the opinion that he is still underrated. As one article of The Atlantic notes, his work is still causing a ripple effect in the scientific community, radically changing perspectives decades after they were published.

Prof. Hawking redefined how the world saw the universe, popularizing the concept of black holes and changing how people saw time. While he is known in most countries, his work remains a mystery to many, thus adding fuel to his fame and mystique. His death may have robbed the world of one of its greatest minds, but his work will push the limits of science decades or even centuries after his passing.