76-year-old scientist and physicist, Stephen Hawking, passed away early Wednesday at his home in Cambridge, England.

According to Wood TV, Hawking was the best know theoretical physicist of his time. His book, "A Brief History of Time", covered the mysteries of space, time and black holes, which became an international best seller, made him one of the most famous scientist since Albert Einstein.

Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement, "He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on form 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."

Hawking suffered from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) at the age of 21, surprised doctors by living with what is normally a fatal illness, for more than 50 years.

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