Michael Crichton, RIP

November 5, 2008 - Best-selling author Michael Crichton, responsible for writing such science-gone-wrong epics as Jurassic Park and Sphere, died in Los Angeles Tuesday, election night. He was 66.

According to Yahoo! News, the author passed away due to complications resulting from a private battle with cancer, according to Crichton's family.

In a statement released to media outlets, the family says: "Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand."

- Wireimage.com

Crichton's last novel is expected to be released sometime in December of this year.

Crichton's most famous work, Jurassic Park, became a blockbuster film in 1993, directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring then-advanced CG effects that forever changed the medium. Crichton's work in the medical profession, documented originally as a screenplay, also led to the creation of NBC's long-running drama, ER.

T-Rex sheds a tear:

I'm shocked and saddened! I've read a bunch of his books and they were always very entertaining while being informative at the same time. I must have read Jurassic Park and Lost World three times each.

I'm sad

That's horrible. Crichton was one of the greats. He's definitely made an impact on multiple mediums and added introspective to the world. He was talented on several levels and his thought provoking work encouraged others to be more creative and set higher standards for their work. It always saddens me a little, when some one I respect passes on.

My sincere condolences to his friends and family.

Wow, that sucks.

Condolences to the family.

R.I.P.

Surprising since he was still fairly young and unfortunate since he had so much left to give. He will be fondly remembered and missed.

Tis a sad day for his loyal readers, no doubt

Damn, so no Jurassic Park 4 (who wrote 2 and 3 anyways?)?

R.I.P.