Update on the search for Tom Marsh

We are very sorry to share the news, as reported by the Chilean police, that a body was found during the search near La Silla on 10 November 2022.

The identity of the person has not yet been formally confirmed, but Tom Marsh’s family has been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.

On Friday (16 September), we learned that Professor Tom Marsh - the founding professor of the Astronomy and Astrophysics group here at Warwick - was reported as missing from La Silla Observatory in Chile where he had been working as a visiting astronomer at the ESO (European Southern Observatory).

The local emergency services are undertaking an extensive search for Tom and we continue to hope for a successful outcome. The University, ESO and Warwickshire Police, are doing everything we can to support their search, and we are in regular contact with Tom’s family to offer our support and assistance wherever we can. 

Support is available to everyone at Warwick - the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) have staff on hand should you need to talk to someone about this worrying news. Postgraduate students might also contact the Wellbeing Support Services, 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.  

If anyone has any information, please call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 153 of 18 September 2022.

Warwickshire Police can also be contacted internationally by calling +44 1926 415000 and information can be reported online at How to report a missing person to Warwickshire PoliceLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.