In brief
The scientific community is mourning Alessandro Coatti, a passionate and dedicated member of the Royal Society of Biology, whose life was cut short in a violent act in northern Colombia.
Alessandro Coatti was recently found murdered in the outskirts of Santa Marta, a coastal city celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. The Italian-born scientist, who served as a senior policy officer for the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), was involved for eight years with the organization, deeply influencing animal science with his research and advocacy. Following his departure from RSB in late 2024, Coatti had plans to volunteer in Ecuador and explore South America.The circumstances surrounding his death are grim. Investigators report that parts of his dismembered body were discovered in a suitcase in a nearby stream. In response to the brutality of this crime, local authorities, led by Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello, have announced a reward of 50 million Colombian pesos—approximately £8,940—for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.In a heartfelt statement, the RSB expressed its devastation over the loss, praising Coatti as "funny, warm, intelligent, loved by everyone he worked with" and emphasizing the deep impact he had on colleagues and the community. His contributions included writing influential papers, organizing pivotal events, and even giving evidence before the House of Commons to advocate for advancements in biological sciences.As the investigation unfolds, Mayor Pinedo Cuello has assured the public that justice will be sought, affirming that "crime has no place in Santa Marta." Coatti's untimely death has sent ripples of sorrow through the scientific community, and many are left hoping that justice will prevail for a scientist who dedicated his life to understanding and preserving the natural world.
