Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has “died peacefully at his home in Cambridge” at the age of 76, a spokesperson for the Hawking family announced early Wednesday morning local time. In a statement released to ABC, the spokesperson said that Professor Hawking’s family has requested time to mourn. His children Lucy, Robert, and Tim added, “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.”