'A true inspiration': Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76

A family spokesman is reporting that British physicist Stephen Hawking has passed away at the age of 76:

JUST IN: Professor Stephen Hawking has died, spokesperson for the family says. pic.twitter.com/DncfApuXNw

— Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) March 14, 2018

Coincidentally, March 14 is also “Pi Day” and Albert Einstein’s birthday:

March 14:

– Stephen Hawking dies
– World Pi Day ?
– Albert Einstein's birthday https://t.co/TGH4jgxjUm

Obit: https://t.co/q7QYcfyOMB

His incredible life in pictures https://t.co/Ynhp0iFyAh

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 14, 2018

Folks are taking to Twitter to share their memories of the famed — and inspirational — physicist:

Stephen Hawking was a true inspiration to the disabled and abled. A genius that never let his disability stop him from achieving the unthinkable.

We should feel grateful to have lived at the same time as one of the greatest human beings to have graced this planet.

— Henry Fraser (@henryfraser0) March 14, 2018

I once asked Stephen Hawking in an interview what puzzles him the most in all the universe. "Women," he answered. He will be missed. R.I.P.

— Larry King (@kingsthings) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking defied all the odds living decades with ALS instead of just years #defyinggravity #legendary

— Stirling (@StirlingMorris) March 14, 2018

"I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers."
The smartest man in the world had a self-mocking sense of humor. Stephen Hawking RIP and thanks.

— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at 21 & given just 2 years to live. Not only did he defy the odds for 52 years, even as his body failed him, his mind soared. I hope his meeting with the Universe was beyond even his wildest imagining. ?

— Caissie St.Onge (@Caissie) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking to @DianeSawyer in 2010 on advice he's given his kids:
"Remember to look up at the stars & not down at your feet; Never give up work. Work gives u meaning & purpose & life is empty wo it; If u r lucky enough to find love, remember is it rare & don't throw it away"

— Chris Donovan (@chrisdonovan) March 14, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt

— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018

R.I.P. Stephen Hawking. Among his many profound contributions to this world was this simple sentiment: “It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.”

— Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) March 14, 2018

"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet" – Professor Stephen Hawking
1942-2018 https://t.co/h8uWznhEpb pic.twitter.com/RVeQx2BTxP

— Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni) March 14, 2018

Rest in peace.

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