A 27-year-old British scientist who advised the government during the pandemic has died after a cycling accident near Lake Garda in Italy. Susannah Boddie, lead health data scientist at Number 10, was on a downhill trail in the forest on the Brescia side of the lake when she lost control of her bike and fell, sustaining catastrophic injuries despite wearing a helmet.
Paramedics were called to the scene in Navazzo di Gargnano on Friday morning but were unable to save her. Her partner, who was also on the trip, was hospitalised in a state of shock. The couple had been on the final part of a tour of the Dolomites and were descending a gravel path when the accident occurred.
Ms Boddie's family paid tribute to her, describing her as "the loveliest, kindest person" who "lived life to the full and had achieved so much in her short life." They said she would leave a "huge hole" in their lives and that of her partner, Rob. Both were reportedly experienced cyclists and had been due to fly back to the UK from Verona this week.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "Susannah was an incredible scientist, an inspiring sportswoman, a loved and admired colleague and friend to those at No10 and many others within the civil service. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time." Italian police confirmed an investigation is underway.
