In this December 7, 2004 file photo, author Michael Crichton poses at The Peninsula Hotel in New York. Crichton died yesterday in Los Angeles, at age 66. (AP Photo/Jim Cooper, file)
Crichton died yesterday at age 66. He had been privately battling cancer, his family said.
"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," his family said in a statement.
