Body found in hunt for Brit astronomy professor, 60, who disappeared on research trip to Chilean desert
A BODY has been found in the search for a British astronomer who vanished on a research trip in Chile almost two months ago.
Professor Tom Marsh, 60, from Rugby, was last seen near the La Silla astronomical observatory in the Atacama desert on September 16.
His body was sadly found about three miles from the observatory in the desert on Thursday, police confirmed.
The cause of death of the Warwick University professor has not been revealed.
Local cops said his body had been found "in the face of an intense search" by the team.
"We are sorry to deliver this sad news and express our condolences to his family and friends," a tweet said.
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According to local media reports, Prof Marsh's family had travelled to northern Chile to follow the search operation.
Investigators from Chile's top police force had been drafted in to probe his disappearance, and volunteers from a local flight club helped with the search.
Provost of the University of Warwick, Prof Christine Ennew, said it was "deeply distressing news" for Prof Marsh's family and the university community.
"This is deeply distressing news for Tom's family and our thoughts are of course with them, along with his colleagues and our wider community," he said.
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"And we realise it's particularly difficult while people are waiting for formal identification to take place."
She added: "I know what a terrible time this is for the colleagues who knew Tom and counted him as a close friend as well as an inspirational academic and mentor.
"For anyone who has been impacted by today's news, please do use the wellbeing support that's there to help you during this difficult time."
Warwickshire Police said specialist officers are understood to be supporting Prof Marsh’s family.
The Foreign Office said it is in touch with the local authorities and offering support to the professor's family.
La Silla has three large telescopes built and operated by the European Southern Observatory.
It is one of the largest observatories in the Southern Hemisphere.
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It is around 95 miles northeast of La Serena on the edge of the Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on earth.
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The remote location away from lights and air pollution helps astronomers get a clear view of space.
