'Jurassic Park' Author Michael Crichton Dies

In sad news, the famed author of Jurassic Park passed away from cancer. (Knopf Image)"]

Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton died yesterday in Los Angeles after battling cancer. He was just 66-years-old.

The doctor turned novelist also wrote Andromeda Strain and created the popular TV doctor drama ER.

"While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," his family said in a statement on his website.

Crichton has sold 150 million books worldwide.