Missing Scientist, Byram Hills Grad, Found Dead In Greece

Suzanne Eaton, a molecular biologist attending a conference in Greece, was found dead today, a week after she went missing.

Professor Eaton, who graduated from Byram Hills High School in 1977, worked in Germany at the Dresden-based Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics.

"The police recovered her body during the evening of 8th July," the Institute wrote in a statement on the website. "The authorities have not yet completed their investigation regarding the events that may have transpired on Tuesday afternoon, 2nd July, and we will provide further updates as we receive information. We are deeply shocked and disturbed by this tragic event. Suzanne was an outstanding and inspiring scientist, a loving spouse and mother, an athlete as well as a truly wonderful person beloved to us all. Her loss is unbearable. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Tony, her sons Max and Luke, and with all her family."

TU Dresden and its Biotechnology Center also mourn the painful loss. “We were shocked to learn of the death of our dear colleague and friend, Prof. Suzanne Eaton. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and also to her colleagues at the TU Dresden Biotechnology Center and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. We have lost an immensely renowned scientist and a truly outstanding human being,” said Prof. Müller-Steinhagen, Rector of TU Dresden.

Prof. Dr. Michael Schroeder, Director of the Biotechnology Center at TU Dresden, said: “We have come to know Suzanne as a lively and committed woman who made a decisive contribution to the development of our Institute. Her sudden and untimely death is devastating for us all. Our sympathy in these difficult times goes to her family and all those close to her. We will remember Suzanne as a remarkable person. We are profoundly saddened and speechless. Our hearts are with Suzanne's family.”

The week-long search included an international effort, a 50,000 euros reward for anyone who could provide any information and a public Facebook group Searching for Suzanne.