In brief
Alessandro Coatti, a former RSB member, is mourned after his body was discovered in Santa Marta, Colombia, prompting investigations and promises of accountability from local authorities.
The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) is in mourning following the tragic murder of former scientist Alessandro Coatti in northern Colombia. His remains were found on the outskirts of Santa Marta, a known port city along the Caribbean coastline, this past Sunday. Santa Marta's Mayor, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, announced a substantial reward of 50,000,000 Colombian pesos (approximately £8,940) for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of the Italian citizen. In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, the RSB expressed its devastation: “Ale was a passionate and dedicated scientist. He led RSB’s animal science initiatives, authored numerous submissions, organized events, and provided evidence to the House of Commons. He was funny, warm, intelligent, and adored by colleagues. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.” The Society extended its thoughts and condolences to Mr. Coatti's family and friends during this difficult time. Coatti studied for his master's at University College London (UCL) and dedicated eight years of his career to the RSB, where he served first as a science policy officer and later was elevated to senior science policy officer. He departed from the RSB at the end of 2024, planning to volunteer in Ecuador and explore South America. In disturbing revelations, parts of Mr. Coatti's dismembered body were located in a suitcase disposed of in a stream. Mayor Pinedo Cuello took to social media platform X, declaring, "This crime will not go unpunished. The criminals must understand that crime has no place in Santa Marta. We will pursue them relentlessly until justice is served." A hotel employee also reported that Coatti had been researching local animal species and had shown interest in visiting the nearby village of Minca.
