The missing Berlin Charité Professor Marcus Maurer has been found dead, as reported by the Italian media outlet „La Stampa.“ Search and rescue teams discovered his body buried under several tree trunks in a stream, which were apparently washed there by the rain. The search for Maurer had officially been suspended for some time, but according to „La Stampa,“ a patrol continued to train in the area where the 58-year-old had disappeared. Maurer’s body was airlifted to a sports field and then transported to a hospital.
Maurer had been reported missing after a hike in the Italian pre-Alps. The managing director of the Institute for Allergy Research at Charité had set out from his vacation home in San Bartolomeo am Lago Maggiore on the morning of July 31 to climb Monte Giove. His wife had expected him to return by midday, but when the physician had not returned by evening, she alerted the authorities. Despite an intensive search involving local fire department rescue teams, mountain rescue, and alpine specialists from the Soccorso Alpino della Guardia di Finanza, Maurer remained missing. The search lasted four days before being called off.
Maurer was familiar with the area, having spent his summer vacations at Lago Maggiore for 20 years. His son and a brother of the missing professor had also hiked in the area, as they told the Tagesspiegel in early September. Following the missing person report, they traveled to Italy to support the family and assist in the search. The relatives left no stone unturned in reconstructing Maurer’s activities on July 31.
During the search for their father and brother, Maurer’s relatives noted the challenging terrain. Despite having hiked there many years ago, Maurer’s brother remarked to the Tagesspiegel, „I didn’t realize how wild and dangerous the area is.“ The professor had been on vacation in San Bartolomeo with his wife, daughter, and brother. The family also conducted a private search for clues and offered a reward of 3000 euros. A post on Facebook in German, English, and Italian sought information.
The family had hoped for a second evaluation of mobile phone data by German authorities. Through triangulation, the signal strength at three cell towers could have provided more information on Maurer’s last known location. However, the family had lost hope of finding Maurer alive.
Marcus Maurer was a renowned expert in understanding the skin condition urticaria, which causes itchy welts. Just before his disappearance, he had expressed excitement on Twitter about a scientific publication. Maurer was the managing director of the Institute for Allergy Research at Charité in Berlin and also headed the clinics for urticaria, mastocytosis, pruritus, hereditary angioedema, and autoinflammatory syndromes. His habilitation thesis, written after his medical studies in Mainz and Berlin, focused on „Why do we have mast cells?“
The case brings to mind the disappearance of British television presenter Michael Mosley. The 67-year-old BBC journalist went missing in June while hiking on the Greek holiday island of Symi and was later found dead.
Remembering Professor Marcus Maurer
The tragic loss of Professor Marcus Maurer has deeply impacted the medical and academic communities. Known for his groundbreaking research in allergy and skin conditions, Maurer’s contributions were widely respected and valued. Colleagues and students alike remember him for his passion for medicine and his dedication to his work.
Legacy of Excellence
Professor Maurer’s legacy of excellence will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals. His commitment to advancing the understanding of skin diseases leaves a lasting impact on the field of dermatology. The void left by his passing will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Final Thoughts
As we mourn the loss of Professor Marcus Maurer, let us remember his remarkable achievements and the indelible mark he has left on the medical community. His legacy will endure through the continued research and advancements in the field of allergy and dermatology. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were touched by his life and work.