Hawking died at his home in Cambridge , England , on 14 March 2018 , at the age of 76 . His family stated that he " died peacefully " . He was eulogised by figures in science , entertainment , politics , and other areas . The Gonville and Caius College flag flew at half-mast and a book of condolences was signed by students and visitors . A tribute was made to Hawking in the closing speech by IPC President Andrew Parsons at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang , South Korea . Hawking was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo 's death and died on the 139th anniversary of Einstein 's birth . His private funeral took place at 2 pm on the afternoon of 31 March 2018 , at Great St Mary 's Church , Cambridge . Guests at the funeral included '' The Theory of Everything '' actors Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones , Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May , and model Lily Cole . In addition , actor Benedict Cumberbatch , who played Hawking in '' Hawking '' , astronaut Tim Peake , Astronomer Royal Martin Rees and physicist Kip Thorne provided readings at the service . Following the cremation , a service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey on 15 June 2018 , after which his ashes were interred in the Abbey 's nave , between the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin
closing ceremony
2018 Winter Paralympics closing ceremony
Stephen Hawking