Jurassic Park author and ER drama creator dies

THE family of Michael Crichton, the best-selling author of such historic and prehistoric science fantasies as Jurassic Park, Timeline and The Andromeda Strain, says the author has died in Los Angeles.

Crichton died yesterday aged 66 after a “courageous and private battle against cancer”, his family has 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.

His books have sold more than 150 million copies. He also created the long-running US hospital drama ER.

“He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched,” his family said in a statement.

A private funeral service is expected.

A Harvard Medical School graduate, Crichton became the toast of Hollywood when his 1971 novel The Andromeda Strain was turned into a film.

Many of his novels and screenplays were adapted for cinema.

The most successful were the Jurassic Park trilogy, the first of which was released in 1993.

ER has won a host of Emmys since it began in 1994.