His family released a statement in the early hours of Wednesday morning confirming his death at his home in Cambridge.
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,
Hawkings children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement.
His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.
He once said, It would not be much of a universe if it wasnt home to the people you love. We will miss him forever.
He was blessed not only with a brilliant inquisitive mind and razor sharp wit, conquering it would seem the confines of his ailment but also lived life too the fullest.
RIP.