Creator of the television series ER, and writer of novels like "Jurassic Park" and "The Andromeda Strain," Michael Crichton has died at the age of 66. Though he was fighting a battle with cancer, his family is calling it "an unexpected death." Raised in Roslyn, Long Island, Crichton took some ambitious paths leading him to both Harvard Medical School and Hollywood. His family released a statement saying, "While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, 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. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget." In December, what is now to be his last novel will be released.