Well, this is just completely sad. Billion-selling sci-fi author Michael Crichton unexpectedly died in Los Angeles yesterday after a "courageous and private battle against cancer," according to a family spokesperson. Crichton is well known as the creator of ER, which was born out of his own experiences as a medical doctor, as well as the writer of Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and Disclosure, among other novels, many of which were lucratively adapted for the screen. A private funeral service is reportedly expected, and no further details will be released to the public, says his family.

Family: Michael Crichton dies of cancer [AP]