The Peruvian Forensic Anthropology Team (EPAF) mourns the passing of Dr. Clyde Snow (1928-2014), prominent American scientist, founding father of forensic anthropology, co-creator of numerous forensic investigation teams in Latin America (including the EPAF) and investigator of several violent crimes and violations of human rights.

Clyde Snow obtained a Master Degree in Zoology at the Technical University of Texas, and a PhD in Anthropology at the University of Arizona. He investigated, among other world-famous cases, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, the mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, the serial crimes of John Wayne Gacy, the identification of the remains of the Nazi murderer Josef Mengele the mass graves of war civil in the former Yugoslavia and the terrorist attack in Oklahoma City.

Clyde Snow’s efforts to lay the scientific foundations of their discipline were rewarded in 1972 when the American Anthropological Association recognized forensic anthropology as a separate specialty. In addition, Dr. Snow gave an invaluable contribution to scientific and humanitarian research of serious violations of human rights in Latin America. His efforts to train local young specialists led to the creation of forensic teams in Peru (EPAF), Argentina (EAAF) and Guatemala (FAFG).

Clyde Snow participated personally and selflessly in the investigation of crimes against human rights in several countries. In Peru, he collaborated with EPAF in the investigation of the events during the rescue of the hostages in the Japanese ambassador’s residence. Together with other institutions of the Peruvian civil society, EPAF recognized the life trajectory of Clyde Snow with the National Science Award in Favor of Human Rights, awarded in 2012.

Today Clyde departed in peace and surrounded by his loved ones, all EPAF members mourn the death of an extraordinary teacher and a sincere friend, and promise to continue the scientific and humanitarian work he left us.

Lima, Peru, May 16, 2014.