R.I.P. Tom Marsh (1961-2022)
About two months ago I posted an urgent appeal for information about the whereabouts of Prof. Tom Marsh, who had gone missing while on an observing trip in La Silla, Chile. The longer the time he was missing the less likely it seemed that he would be found safe and well and sadly there wasn’t to be a happy ending.
Last week a body was found about 5km from the Observatory and has now been formally identified as that of Tom Marsh. This brings to an end an awful period of uncertainty, but it isn’t the kind of closure that anyone hoped for.
A fitting tribute to the life and astronomical achievements of Tom Marsh, who was 60 years old, has been posted by Warwick University I send my own condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at what must be a very difficult time.
Rest in peace, Tom Marsh (1961-2022).
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In the Dark 
November 20, 2022 at 8:06 pm
[…] der auch Gegenstand kriminaler Ermittlungen ist – und der Tod von Tom Marsh in Chile ist nun offiziell bestätigt worden. [21:05 […]
November 22, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Oh, what a shame. Has cause of death been established, because closure requires that?
These telescopes are at altitude, and anybody with unsuspected cardiac weakness might be found out by that as they age.
November 22, 2022 at 1:27 pm
I don’t think there has been any formal announcement of a cause of death. I’m not sure what the procedures are in Chile relating to coroners, inquests, etc. I agree that his family need to know this as soon as possible.