BREAKING: Specialist teams looking for missing Warwick professor in Chile find body

Emergency services in Chile investigating the disappearance of University of Warwick Professor Tom Marsh have found a body, the University of Warwick has confirmed.

Regional specialist authorities have been searching for Marsh since his disappearance on 16 September. The search was focused on the mountains surrounding the building the Professor was working at.

Marsh was in Chile as a visiting astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla astronomical observatory.

Today the Chilean authorities confirmed they found a body two miles from the observatory. The body has not yet been formally identified.

In a statement released by the University, Provost Chris Ennew said: “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.

“And we realise it’s particularly difficult while people are waiting for formal identification to take place.

“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.”

The University added: “For anyone struggling or needing help, please do make use of the support that is available. Staff can access specialist help through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

“And postgraduate students can contact our Wellbeing and Student Support who are there to offer advice and emotional support for all students that need it.

“Our multi-faith chaplaincy is also on hand for people of all faiths, or none, to offer a quiet place to reflect and take stock.”