GLASGOW, Scotland (4 July 2006) -- Tributes have been paid to a leading Scots scientist who died in a diving accident while holidaying with her family. Jane Gurney, 45, an experienced diver, got into difficulties in 16 metres of water in Dwejra Bay off the Mediterranean island of Gozo on Saturday. A post mortem examination has been carried out but police said they were continuing their investigations yesterday. Mrs Gurney, from Balfron, Stirlingshire, was with her husband, Hugh, 57, and daughters Alice, 14, and Annabel, 11, who went to her aid when they saw her struggling. Mr Gurney brought her to the surface and she was taken ashore, but she was pronounced dead. The family were experienced divers - Mr and Mrs Gurney met at a diving school, and had been active in the sport for 20 years. In the world of cancer research, where she was better known by her unmarried name, Jane Steel, Mrs Gurney was a key figure behind many important laboratory investigations, developing and producing antibodies that are now common tools. She ran the antibody production service at the CRC Beatson Institute for Cancer Research at Garscube Estate, Glasgow. | | She had worked at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund laboratories in London and was renowned for her use of innovative techniques. Colleagues described her skills as second to none in the UK and impossible to replace. Karen Vousden, director of the Beatson Institute, said she and the staff were "completely shocked and devastated" by Jane Steel's tragic death. "She was a wonderful, dedicated and talented science professional and is an enormous loss to cancer research in Glasgow and the wider community," Professor Vousden said. SOURCE - The HeraldSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
