Stephen Hawking was an influential scientist who had a motor neuron disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS; while he became gradually paralyzed through the years and eventually lost his ability to speak, Hawking didn’t let it get him down and still continued to be a prominent force in the scientific fields of physics and cosmology. The visionary physicist is most well-known for his studies of black holes and the universe, though he also penned various scientific books such as A Brief History of Time. He has won countless awards for his scientific research and discoveries, and has been depicted throughout the media from live-action TV series and films to even cartoons such as The Simpsons.

Hawking persevered throughout his life with his disability, serving as a positive role model to the disabled and continuing to not give up and still remain just as bright of a star in the science world; however, the end was certainly near for him as he passed away on March 14. His family reported that he died peacefully in his house from natural causes; his death was confirmed by a spokesman for Cambridge University, the university that he was a scientist affiliated with.

What’s especially interesting about the date of Hawking’s death is that it is Albert Einstein’s birthday; the both of them even died at the same age, 76 years old, which makes the coincidence even more fascinating.

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet,” said Hawking once. “Try to make sense of what you see and about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” Hawking’s legacy will live on to this day; he was a major influence not just for scientists and science enthusiasts, but for disabled individuals as well.