The body of a man found in the Chilean desert has been confirmed as a missing scientist who was on a research trip in the country.
Prof. Tom Marsh disappeared on September 16 while visiting La Silla Observatory. His body was found about 5 km away on November 10.
The authorities did not provide any information on the cause of death.
University of Warwick Provost Chris Ennew said it was heartbreaking and painful to learn of his death.
The founding professor of the university’s astronomy and astrophysics group was widely regarded as the world’s foremost expert, Prof Ennew said.
“Tom was an outstanding academic and researcher, although in his typically humble way he rarely mentioned his significant achievements,” she said.
“He was not motivated by awards but by a deep love and passion for science.
“But he wasn’t just a brilliant academic. Equally important, he was kind, considerate, and a well-loved member of our community who served as a mentor and inspiration to generations of students and colleagues.”
During his 40-year career, Prof Marsh wrote hundreds of notes and articles “about all kinds of astronomical objects” and won the 2018 Royal Astronomical Society’s Herschel Medal, awarded for his pioneering research into binary systems, said Prof Ennew.
“He has kept this extremely prestigious award largely a secret, even from those closest to him,” she added.
Colleagues said Prof Marsh has “never been happier than observing new objects in prime dark-sky locations” and is keen to support astronomy in less affluent countries.
The 60-year-old from Rugby traveled to Chile to work as a visiting astronomer at the European Southern Observatory.
His family had traveled to northern Chile to follow the search, local media reported, before search teams and police said they found his body last week.
“It’s the news none of us wanted to hear and while it at least ends the terrible uncertainty it also ends the hope we all had for a good outcome,” Mr Ennew added.
In a tweet, the university thanked everyone involved in the search, including Chilean authorities, colleagues from the European Observatory and Warwickshire Police.
Warwickshire Police said they continued to support the family and urged respect for their privacy.
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