Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, at the age of 76 due to internal bleeding caused by the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a condition where the main blood vessel in the abdomen bursts

. He had a history of this condition, having undergone surgery in 1948 to reinforce the aneurysm, but when it ruptured again in 1955, he refused further surgical treatment, stating, "I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially; I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly"

. Einstein was admitted to Princeton Hospital after the aneurysm burst but declined additional medical intervention. He died peacefully early on April 18, after murmuring a few words in German that were not understood by the nurse present

. Following his death, his brain was removed by pathologist Thomas Harvey without family permission for scientific study, while his body was cremated and his ashes scattered at an undisclosed location, as per his wishes