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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
The Associated Press

Erich von Däniken, author who spawned alien archaeology theory, dies at 90

History Cornelia Extraterrestrial
Erich von Daniken speaks onstage at the Ancient Aliens: 50 Years of Chariots of the Gods panel during day 2 of AlienCon Baltimore 2018 at Baltimore Convention Center on November 10, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for HISTORY) - (Getty Images for HISTORY)

Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author whose bestselling theories on the extraterrestrial origins of ancient civilisations brought him widespread fame among paranormal enthusiasts and considerable scorn from the scientific community, has died at 90.

His representatives announced on his website on Sunday that he passed away the previous day in a hospital in central Switzerland. His daughter, Cornelia, confirmed the news to the Swiss news agency SDA.

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