PRINCETON, N.J., May 24 (UPI) -- Mathematician John Nash, who inspired the Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind, was killed in a taxi crash alongside his wife, Alicia, in New Jersey.
Nash, 86, and Alicia Larde, 82, were killed Saturday when the driver of the taxi lost control on the New Jersey Turnpike and crashed into a guard rail, according to State Police Sgt. Gregory William. They were both ejected from the taxi, leading authorities to believe they were not wearing seatbelts.
The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Nash, a senior research mathematician at Princeton University, was acclaimed worldwide for his work in game theory. He won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994.
Nash was played by Russell Crowe in the film, which portrayed the mathematician's academic breakthroughs and struggles with schizophrenia.
Stunned...my heart goes out to John & Alicia & family.
An amazing partnership. Beautiful minds, beautiful hearts. https://t.co/XF4V9MBwU4
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 24, 2015
The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture. Nash and Alicia were also recognized for their work in mental health care advocacy.
RIP Brilliant #NobelPrize winning John Nash & and his remarkable wife Alicia. It was an honor telling part of their story #ABeautifulMind
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) May 24, 2015