Famed neurologist and auther Oliver Sacks passed away Sunday at the age of 82. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer just months ago.
The Associated Press reported his assistant, Kate Edgar, confirmed he passed away in New York City where he lived. He had announced back in February that he had a rare form of eye cancer that already had gone to his liver.
Sacks used his work as a neurologist by writing books that gave an easier explanation for the function of the human brain in all areas. One of his books, Awakenings inspired a movie that starred the late Robin Williams.
One of his books called The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat was a best-seller, with the title a nod toward a patient who could not interpret the things he saw, including his own wife’s appearance.
Many scientists and writers have paid tribute to Sacks on Twitter, including Atul Gawande and Michael Hawley.
Author J.K. Rawling wrote on her Twitter, “The great, humane and inspirational Oliver Sacks has died. He wrote this recently. That’s a life well-lived.” Actress Olivia Wilde posted a link to an article Sacks wrote about how he wanted to live his final days.
Image via Twitter from JK Rowling.