Michael Crichton 1942 – 2008

 Michael Crichton, bestselling author of “The Andromeda Strain,” “Jurassic Park,” “Rising Sun” and “Disclosure,” died in Los Angeles on Tuesday after a private battle with cancer. He was 66. Crichton was also famed as creator of the long-running TV drama series “ER,” and for directing such films as “Westworld,” “Coma” and “The Great Train Robbery.”