Author Michael Crichton dies at age 66

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Michael Crichton, author of more than a dozen best-sellers including "Jurassic Park" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died of cancer in Los Angeles, aged 66, his website and reports said Wednesday.

An official biography of the author posted on his website said Crichton died Tuesday, but did not give a cause of death.

Crichton died "unexpectedly ... after a courageous and private battle against cancer," according to a statement released by his family, cited by CBS and CNN.

Crichton was the author of numerous blockbusters, some of which sold over 100 million copies, and which were translated in 30 languages worldwide.

He was also the creator of the international hit television hospital drama series "E.R."

From: yahoo