Tech giants mourn death of physicist Stephen Hawking

New Delhi: The news of physicist Professor Stephen Hawking's death early on Wednesday sent a shock wave in the world of technology, with several top honchos mourning the demise on Twitter.

"We lost a great one today. Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his incredible contributions to science - making complex theories and concepts more accessible to the masses," tweeted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about British physicist Stephen Hawking

"He'll also be remembered for his spirit and unbounded pursuit to gain a complete understanding of the universe, despite the obstacles he faced. May he rest peacefully as his legacy and brilliance live on," Nadella added.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted, "The world has lost a beautiful mind and a brilliant scientist. RIP Stephen Hawking".

Hawking, who shaped modern cosmology and inspired millions died owing to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Hawking is survived by three children, Robert, Lucy and Timothy, from his first marriage to Jane Wilde, and three grandchildren.