Michael Crichton dies, aged 66

Michael Crichton, author of Jurassic Park has died, aged 66, 2008 after a private battle against cancer.

He penned the books Congo, Twister and the popular Jurassic Park trilogy, all of which were adapted into films.

He also created the long-running US hospital drama ER and his books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide.

Crichton has won an Emmy, a Peabody, and a Writer's Guild of America Award for ER.

A private funeral service is expected.