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Tragic Loss of Scientist in Colombia: Alessandro Coatti Remembered

Alessandro Coatti, a scientist who previously worked for the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in London, has been found murdered in northern Colombia, sparking an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and the scientific community.

Authorities reported that Coatti’s remains were uncovered on the outskirts of Santa Marta, a coastal city on the Caribbean, over the weekend. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, with local officials actively pursuing leads.

The Mayor of Santa Marta, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, announced a reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (approximately £8,940) for information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous act.

In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, the RSB expressed its profound sorrow over Coatti’s death. “We are devastated by the loss of Ale,” the organization stated. “He was a passionate and committed scientist who led our animal science initiatives, authored numerous publications, organized events, and provided crucial evidence in the House of Commons.” The RSB further described him as “funny, warm, intelligent, and universally beloved” by his peers.

Coatti’s academic journey began at University College London (UCL), and he dedicated eight years to the RSB, initially as a science policy officer and later advancing to senior science policy officer. He departed the RSB in late 2024 to engage in volunteer work in Ecuador and explore South America.

Tragically, parts of his dismembered body were found inside a suitcase discarded in a stream, highlighting the brutal nature of the crime. Mayor Pinedo Cuello took to social media platform X to assure the public that this crime would not go unpunished, stating, “The criminals must understand that crime has no place in Santa Marta. We will pursue them until justice is served.”

Local reports indicate that Coatti had shown interest in visiting the nearby village of Minca and had been conducting research regarding native animal species, underscoring his dedication to the scientific study of Colombia’s rich biodiversity. Santa Marta, known for its proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, has drawn attention not only for its beauty but also for the urgent need for safety amidst rising crime.

The shocking nature of this event has raised concerns about security in the region while reminding many of the vital contributions scientists like Coatti make toward understanding and preserving the natural world.

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