Lead Scientist Suffered Plunging 100ft Fall While Doing Research, Who Should be Blamed?

Dr. Gordon Hamilton, a British Scientist that was sent to study and conduct research for several seasons on the White Island in the Ross Archipelago in Antartica, found dead after falling into a crevasse that caused a 100ft plunged according to the National Science Foundation. The incident happened last October 22 when Hamilton is conducting his NSF-funded research.

The 50-year-old glaciologist camped together with his team, in an area full of crevasses of the "shear zone" where ice can grow up to 650ft thick. The team was looking and identifying holes at the time of the incident

According to the Umaine website, Hamilton was studying the behavior of modern ice sheets and its role in climate change. His current research projects include ice - ocean interaction in Greenland and ice shelf stability in Antartica.

Hamilton's remains have been recovered and are set to return to his family in the US. The National Science Foundation was exceedingly sorry about this loss, and extending their greatest condolence to Hamilton's friends and relatives. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Dr. Hamilton. Our thoughts are with the family and entire community as we mourn this loss," said Dr. France Córdova, director of the NSF.

Also, the University of Maine extended its deepest condolences and stated that the institution had lost one of its leading scientists. Hamilton was a teacher in Umaine undergraduate and graduate courses. The Institution's President Susan J. Hunter stated Hamilton's work was "second to none," she also added that Hamilton leaves a legacy and an outstanding scientist, a caring mentor, and a well-known teacher to all of his students.

Jeffrey Hecker, Umaine executive vice president, describe Gordon as the "quintessential scientist and educator."