Stephen William Hawking CH CBE FRS FRSA (8 January 1942 – 14 March 2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge. His scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Stephen Hawking Disability
Hawking had a rare early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis “ALS” or Lou Gehrig’s disease) that gradually paralysed him over the decades. Even after the loss of his speech, he was still able to communicate through a speech-generating device, initially through use of a hand-held switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle. He died on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76.
Stephen Hawking Death
Hawking died in his home in Cambridge, England, early in the morning of 14 March 2018, at the age of 76. His family stated that he “died peacefully”.
Hawking was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo’s death and died on the 139th anniversary of Einstein’s birth; the latter of which coincided with Pi day. Hawking’s private funeral took place at 2pm on the afternoon of 31 March 2018, the 291st anniversary of Newton’s passing, at Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge.