Oliver Sacks: Scientists and Writers Pay Tribute on Twitter

August 30, 2015 9:46 AM EDT

High-profile scientists and writers honored the life of Oliver Sacks on Sunday, tweeting quotes, memories and farewells to the neurologist and acclaimed author who has died at 82, months after announcing his diagnosis with terminal cancer.

Sacks was famous for writing popular, understandable books based on his work, including “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.”

From surgeon-writer Atul Gawande to digital media scientist Michael Hawley, see eight high-profile figures paying tribute to the life of Sacks:

Woke up to find my hero Oliver Sacks has died. He was like no one in medicine or writing. I will dearly miss him. http://t.co/Bf9zZASQHw
— Atul Gawande (@Atul_Gawande) August 30, 2015

The great, humane and inspirational Oliver Sacks has died. He wrote this recently. That's a life well-lived. pic.twitter.com/ZnaKrOzkBm
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 30, 2015

We will miss Oliver Sacks terribly. Last time we'd met Oliver spoke w/ boyish enthusiasm about "beautiful" minerals-- & many other things.
— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) August 30, 2015

Rest in peace, Oliver. http://t.co/mIynypi5kV
— Michael Hawley (@mjhawley) August 30, 2015

Oliver Sacks had a huge heart, which steered his sharp mind. He taught us so much about each other. Thank you, and RIP.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) August 30, 2015

Sigh. So sad to hear @OliverSacks died. Here again, his beautiful piece on how he wished to live his last days: http://t.co/S2y7XCNN41
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) August 30, 2015

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