Jurassic Park Author Michael Crichton Dies 'Unexpectedly'

Copyright 2008 Keith Bedford / Getty Images
Prolific novelist and "ER" creator Michael Crichton has passed away. He was 66.

Perhaps best known for being the author of Jurassic Park and its sequel The Lost World, which were turned into a hugely successful movie franchise, his numerous books have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.

In what his family calls an unexpected death, it was revealed that he was waging a private battle against cancer.

"While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," his family tells "The Insider." "He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."

Published 11/5/08 by the Insider

Comments (25)

  • orLogin
  • OMG.... He is like the most awesome writer I have seen. I have read his books like "The Andromeda Strain", Jurassic Park", "The Lost World", The Sphere", "Congo", and "Eaters of the dead". Oh how much I'll miss his works.... :-(
    ArfilG 1/9/09 Reply
  • a lovely man will be sadly missed,like his storys,
    Anonymous 11/12/08 Reply
  • NOOOOOO my favorite author of all time is gone, I loved Jurassic Park,the Lost World,And Congo my first adult books R.I.P your #1 fan
    Anonymous 11/11/08 Reply
  • I'm dumbfounded at the lack of sensitivity and compassion for this man's surviving family that is shown on some of these comments. It is shameful.
    Concerning Mr. Crichton though, the world has lost a great story teller. He will be missed by many....
    Anonymous 11/11/08 Reply
  • I love his books. And I am grieving for him and his family...
    May he rest in peace..
    Anonymous 11/11/08 Reply
  • When did he Die. (I loved his movies!!!)
    Anonymous 11/10/08 Reply
  • Dino-cancer from bangin' drunken T-Rexes.
    Anonymous 11/10/08 Reply
  • How distressing. I just started to read a book of his (Airframe) yesterday evening...and I like it a lot. Bless his soul!
    Anonymous 11/10/08 Reply
  • find a copy of "Eaters of the Dead".
    Anonymous 11/9/08 Reply
  • I married into a family of "Chrichton-heads", if you'll pardon the expression. They really enjoyed his books. My condolences to his friends, family, and fans.
    Anonymous 11/9/08 Reply
  • That is a sad thing to hear. I loved Congo. Is this picture of him old, cause he doesn't look like he is 66.
    Anonymous 11/9/08 Reply
    • ...please note the copyright 2008 underneath the photo..
      Anonymous 11/9/08
  • All that lives is born to die. But that doesn't mean it doesn't lessen the pain when it happens. My condolences to his family. But on the flip side, I sure the family won't lose their house or like that.
    DaveR4 11/9/08 Reply
  • That really is sad. I think it's kind of weird, because I'm reading Sphere =/
    Anonymous 11/8/08 Reply
  • sad to hear that, sincere condolences to his family.
    Anonymous 11/8/08 Reply
  • Rest in peace, Micheal. I just finished Congo :(
    Anonymous 11/8/08 Reply