Stephen Hawking death: Tributes pour in from Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Cox and Katy Perry as physicist passes away

‘He inspired generations to look beyond our own blue planet and expand our understanding of the universe,’ says astronaut Tim Peake

Tributes to the great theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking are pouring in after it was announced that the celebrated scientist has died aged 76.

The best-selling author of A Brief History of Time (1988) led a remarkable life that saw him living with early onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for half a century, a motor neurone condition that paralysed his body but only encouraged his hunger for knowledge about the wider mysteries of the universe.

US astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson was one of the first to pay his respects to Hawking. Sharing a photo of himself and the great man on Twitter, he said the scientist’s death 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,” he added.

British astronomer and broadcaster Brian Cox said Hawking’s “contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists”.

Actor Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the award-winning biopic The Theory of Everything in 2014 said: “We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

“My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family.”

Prime Minister Theresa May praised Hawking’s “courage, humour and determination”:

British astronaut Tim Peake said the professor had “inspired generations to look beyond our own blue planet and expand our understanding of the universe”.

“His personality and genius will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family,” he wrote on Twitter.

Nasa in turn hailed him as a “renowned physicist and ambassador of science”.

“His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we and the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on Space-Station in 2014,” the organisation tweeted.

The University of Cambridge said Hawking was “an inspiration to millions” and his work will leave “an indelible legacy”.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, tweeted: “We have lost a colossal mind and a wonderful spirit. Rest in peace, Stephen Hawking.”

Professor Lord Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, said Hawking’s life had been “a triumph”.

“His name will live in the annals of science; millions have had their cosmic horizons widened by his best-selling books; and even more, around the world, have been inspired by a unique example of achievement against all the odds – a manifestation of amazing will-power and determination.”

Celebrities also paid tribute, with US pop star Katy Perry saying his death left a “big black hole in my heart”.

US actor Macaulay Culkin described Hawking as a “genius”, adding that the physicist was also his favourite Simpsons character.

He wrote on Twitter: “Your achievements symbolise the power of the human mind. An inspiration to us all, whatever our station in life, to reach for the stars-from where you now shine down on us.”

Comedian and Silicon Valley star Kumail Nanjiani said:

Figures from public life are expected to continue paying their respects to the late scientist over the course of the day.