'Jurassic Park' Author Michael Crichton Dies

by Elizabeth Fairview | November 5th, 2008

In sad news, the famed author of Jurassic Park passed away from cancer. (Knopf Image)

Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton died yesterday in Los Angeles after battling cancer. He was just 66-years-old.

The doctor turned novelist also wrote Andromeda Strain and created the popular TV doctor drama ER.

"While the world knew him as a great story teller 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 said in a statement on his website.

Crichton has sold 150 million books worldwide.