Tributes Flow for Professor Alan Wilson After Fatal Namibia Crash

Professor Alan Wilson, a renowned Scottish wildlife expert, has tragically died in a plane crash in Namibia during a research expedition. The incident occurred on March 4, 2026, shortly after takeoff from the Gobabeb Research Station, where Professor Wilson was studying the Oryx antelope.

The light aircraft he was travelling in crashed in the Namib Desert, resulting in the deaths of both Professor Wilson, aged 62, and the pilot, Neil Oakman, aged 63. The pair had been conducting research in the area for a week before the fatal flight.

Research and Contributions

Professor Wilson was a graduate of veterinary science from the University of Glasgow and served as the head of the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). His expertise in the musculoskeletal systems of athletic animals significantly advanced the understanding of high-performance locomotion in both animals and humans. He also contributed to popular BBC documentaries, including Big Cats and The Secret Life of Cats.

Fellow researcher John Lowe raised the alarm when Wilson and Oakman failed to return to the research station as scheduled. The search for the missing duo began after Lowe expressed concern about their absence. Subsequent investigations revealed the wreckage of the aircraft at the end of the Gobabeb airstrip, prompting authorities to transport the bodies to the Walvis Bay police mortuary.

Community Reactions

In response to the incident, Professor Stuart Reid CBE, President & Principal at the RVC, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Professor Alan Wilson in this tragic accident. Alan has been part of the RVC for 30 years and has shaped our understanding of biomechanics and high-performance locomotion.” Reid emphasized the significant loss felt by colleagues, students, and the broader research community.

The University of Glasgow also released a statement, mourning Professor Wilson’s passing. “Our thoughts are with Anna and the rest of Alan’s family, as well as his colleagues and friends,” the university said. Wilson returned to his alma mater in 2019 to deliver the Weipers Lecture titled “From sprinting cheetah to walking wildebeest: studies of locomotion and physiology in Africa.”

Professor Wilson was known for his involvement in the Glasgow University Hares & Hounds road and cross-country running club during his time as a student, illustrating his passion for both wildlife and athletics.

Senior air accident investigator Judith Shomongula provided details about the flight. According to her statement, “Three British nationals, including Alan Wilson and Neil Oakman, arrived in Namibia on February 25, 2026, for research purposes. At approximately 17:00 on March 4, they took off to search for collared antelope in the dunes of the Namib.”

As investigations continue, the loss of Professor Wilson resonates deeply within the academic and scientific communities he significantly impacted. His legacy in wildlife research and education will endure, and tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and friends who valued his contributions and spirit.