World-renowned British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking passed away leaving the world in a state of shock and disbelief.

Stephen Hawking, a man who made remarkable discoveries in the theoretical field and known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity, and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes died on March 15th in his own home located in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The reason for his death is no shock to anyone, Hawking had a rare disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as motor neuron disease (MND). ALS is a debilitating disease that destroys the neurons which control voluntary muscles in the body leaving people who have it paralyzed. It’s a miracle that he lived as long as he did and knew that his rare disease was eventually going to catch up to him.

“I know about him being very instrumental and dealing with high-level theories like high-level worlds and multiple universes. I saw tidbits of his of his discoveries and theories as well as watched some of his programs, Plus having ALS and being able to accomplish what he could do is a huge win and motivation for all those who have ALS,” said Ryan Moyer one of the Physics teachers at WHHS.

Some kids, as well as teachers in WHHS, are shocked that he died at a relatively young age of 76. Teachers like Ryan Moyer and Erika Sherger, physics teachers concentrate on a field where Hawking’s discoveries were groundbreaking.

“Stephen was a very respected scientist top of his field even though he was battling with his illness who ended up beating all the odds and came out on the top,” said Tony Defina a Biology teacher at Hills.

All around the world people are thinking about the death of  Hawking and all of the groundbreaking discoveries that he helped find and found himself. Sales for the book he published are starting to rise as people are wanting to learn more about him and what he’s done.