Professor feared dead

A professor at Leeds University is believed to have died in the tsunami disaster in Thailand, writes Anna Fazackerley.

Sally Macgill, 53, professor of integrated environmental management at Leeds, was kayaking at the Thai resort of Krabbi with her daughters Edith, 25, and Alice, 23, when the tsunami hit. Professor Macgill and Alice are missing, presumed dead.

Professor Macgill applied modelling and risk analysis to many subjects, including pioneering work on cancer clusters near nuclear power stations.

Peter Mackie, dean of Leeds' faculty of environment, said: "Sally's loss is a grievous blow. Sally was a true leader who served the university in many ways over three decades."

Sir Alan Wilson, former vice-chancellor of Leeds, said: "Sally was a significant figure, making substantial contributions in research, teaching, administration and academic management. It is tragic that she should be lost to the university at the height of her powers."

Sally's sister, Ann Knowles, said: "Her death is a terrible loss. She was a very talented person and we miss her enormously."