Emeritus professor Gregor McLennan, 74, was found dead on Carnedd Y Filiast mountain in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales, after going missing during a hike amid record-breaking UK heatwave temperatures. His body was discovered early this week following an extensive search by police, mountain rescue teams, and other agencies.
Disappearance and Discovery
McLennan was last seen on Thursday, June 25, with the search initiated the next day. The UK experienced record temperatures that day, with 35.9°C logged in Cardiff, according to NeedToKnow. His family stated: "Greg died where he felt most alive and his final view was every bit as wonderful as the man himself." They added: "It's deeply painful knowing that he was alone on the mountain while we searched. But early on Monday evening we finally found him and there is a measure of peace in that, not only for us but for his soul."
Tributes from Family and University
The family described him as "a passionate and inspiring man whose warmth reached many people." North Wales Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and extended "deepest condolences" to his family. Professor Judith Squires, deputy vice-chancellor and provost at the University of Bristol, said she was "deeply saddened" and noted: "His intellectual generosity, rigour, and commitment to public debate left a lasting impact on students, peers, and the wider discipline."
Academic Career
McLennan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Bristol before earning his PhD at the University of Birmingham. He returned to Bristol in 1997 as the established chair in sociology and held senior roles including head of the department of sociology, head of the School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies, director of the Institute of Advanced Studies, and warden of Goldney Hall. His relatives and police thanked volunteers and members of the public who assisted in the search.
