Paduan Geologist Missing in Alaska After Glacier Research Trip
ANCHORAGE, AK – Search efforts have been suspended for Riccardo Pozzobon, a 40-year-old planetary geologist from Padua, italy, who went missing Tuesday while participating in a research mission on the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska.The news, confirmed by the Italian geological society, has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and his hometown.
Pozzobon, an internationally recognized expert in planetary geology, was part of a three-person Italian team conducting research funded by the National Geographic Grant Program. He had recently gained prominence for discoveries published last year in the prestigious journal Nature, and previously served as an instructor for astronauts, including Luca Parmitano. The loss of such a skilled and respected scientist underscores the inherent risks of field research in extreme environments, and leaves a significant void in the field of planetary science.
The team arrived in Alaska on August 26th, intending to study the Mendenhall glacier. Pozzobon was expected to return home to selvazzano,where his partner,Claudia,and their son were awaiting his arrival. Authorities initiated a search when he was reported missing, but have now called off active recovery operations.
Colleagues expressed disbelief at the circumstances of his disappearance, describing it as a “trivial fall” – an accident that could have occurred on any mountainous terrain. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of glacial landscapes and the dangers faced by researchers working in remote locations.
