Michael Crichton, author of more than a dozen best-selling science fiction adventures including Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain, died of cancer in Los Angeles, aged 66.
 
"Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 4, 2008 after a courageous and private battle against cancer," said a statement posted on the author's website.

Crichton wrote numerous blockbusters, some of which sold over 100 million copies, and which were translated in 30 languages worldwide. He also created the international hit television hospital drama series "E.R.", screened around the world.

"The Andromeda Strain," which catapulted him to Hollywood fame after it was published in 1969, told the story of US scientists battling an alien virus that lands in New Mexico from outer space and drives humans to bizarre and grisly deaths.

In Jurassic Park, made into a blockbuster 1993 movie, Crichton's human characters were chased around by rampaging dinosaurs created genetically on an island run by an ambitious scientist.

"The world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us - and entertained us all while doing so," the family statement said.

His "family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," it added.