A government scientist who helped guide Britain through the Covid pandemic has been honored after her death in a bike crash in Italy at the age of 27.
The Daily Mail reports that Susanna Bode was thrown from her bike while descending a steep slope on a forested path on the Brescia side of Lake Garda on Saturday morning.
Boddy, from Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, was the chief health data scientist at No 10 Downing Street.
A statement from Boddy’s family, who requested privacy at this time, recalled her vitality and the affection she was shown by her family and friends.
It reads: “Susanna lived life to the full and achieved a lot in her short life.
“You crammed more into her life than you ever thought possible.
“She was the most beautiful and kind person who always inspired and cared for others and was adored by many of her friends.
“She will leave the biggest hole in our family and the family of Rob, her much loved partner.
“She was the most wonderful daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend you could ever wish for, and her memory will continue to inspire us in all that we do.”
Boddy’s work is believed to have included advising the government in its handling of the pandemic.
The University of Cambridge graduate has a degree in pharmacology and also has a master’s degree in systems biology, according to her LinkedIn account. Previously, she worked as a government employee in the Department of Work and Pensions for three years.
She has worked as a data scientist and also as a health team manager in Downing Street.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Susanna was an incredible scientist, an inspiring athlete, a much loved and admired colleague, a friend to the Number 10s and many others in the Civil Service.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”
PA Media contributed to this report