Swiss author Erich von Däniken has passed away at the age of 90. His daughter confirmed that he died of old age in a hospital located in Interlaken, Switzerland. Von Däniken was known for his controversial theories regarding ancient astronauts and the influence of extraterrestrial beings on human civilization.

Born on April 14, 1935, in Zofingen, canton Aargau, von Däniken gained international fame with the publication of his book "Chariots of the Gods" in 1968. This work proposed that ancient cultures such as the Mayans and Egyptians were visited by alien beings who imparted advanced technological knowledge. The book sparked significant interest in science fiction and became a bestseller, contributing to a broader fascination with unexplained phenomena during a time when humanity was preparing for its first lunar landing.

Over his career, von Däniken authored approximately 49 books that collectively sold around 75 million copies and were translated into more than 30 languages. His works blended fact with speculation about humanity's past and attracted both a dedicated following among paranormal enthusiasts and criticism from scientists. Despite facing legal troubles, including accusations of fraud and tax evasion, he continued to promote his theories through lectures and multimedia presentations.

In addition to writing, von Däniken produced documentaries and television series related to his research interests. He also founded a foundation dedicated to exploring alternative historical narratives. His influence extended into popular culture but waned over time; he established a theme park called Mystery Park based on his ideas, which struggled to attract visitors before closing after several years.

Von Däniken is survived by his wife Elisabeth Skaja, their daughter Cornelia, and two grandchildren.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (switzerland) (documentaries)

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