Professor Carlo Ballatore tragically passed away in an accident on April 2, 2025
The world of science and academia is mourning the tragic and untimely death of Professor Carlo Ballatore, who passed away in a hiking accident on April 2, 2025, while exploring the scenic trails of Big Sur, California, with his son, Paolo. A distinguished faculty member at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego (UCSD), Prof. Ballatore’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the scientific and academic communities, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual brilliance, mentorship, and deep compassion.
A Pillar of the Medicinal Chemistry Community
Professor Carlo Ballatore was widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in medicinal chemistry, neurodegenerative disease research, and drug discovery. He dedicated his career to the advancement of science, contributing valuable insights and innovations that continue to benefit researchers and patients around the world. His work in designing small molecules targeting tau-related pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease garnered international recognition, and his publications have served as foundational resources for many in the pharmaceutical sciences.
But Carlo was much more than a scientist. He was a beloved mentor, a kind colleague, and a generous leader who believed deeply in the potential of his students.
A Mentor Who Changed Lives
One of Carlo’s former Ph.D. students recalled the first time they met him:
“I first met Carlo eight years ago when he welcomed Bobby and me into his lab as graduate students. Since then, he has been a constant source of support—not just in our education and careers, but in our lives as a whole. He was an incredible mentor and one of my greatest supporters. I wouldn’t be the scientist I am today without his belief in me. It’s still hard to come to terms with the fact that I’ll no longer have our long, thoughtful conversations.”
This sentiment is echoed by many who had the privilege of working with him. He wasn’t just a professor at UCSD; he was a friend, a role model, and someone who made people feel seen and valued.
A Tragic Loss Felt Deeply by His Family
While his contributions to science were vast, those who knew him best knew that Carlo Ballatore’s greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband to Juliana Guerra and a loving father to their two teenage children, Isabella and Paolo. According to Juliana, Carlo took care of all aspects of family life, working tirelessly to provide financial stability and emotional support. His death has not only shattered their world emotionally, but also left them facing immediate financial difficulties.
Juliana shared her heartbreak in a GoFundMe campaign created in his honor:
“On April 2nd, 2025, my husband, Carlo Ballatore, tragically passed away in an accident, while he was hiking in Big Sur with my son, Paolo. My husband, who was a valued and admired professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UCSD, took care of all expenses for our family and made sure that all our needs were met. Since his passing, my daughter has had to withdraw from university to help out my family during this difficult time, as well as to help with our financial needs. My husband’s only wish was for our children to have the ability to pursue a higher education. Please help us raise funds to pay for my children’s college tuitions so we can honor my husband’s wishes.”
A Call for Support: Help Honor His Legacy
In response to this devastating loss, friends, colleagues, and students of Professor Ballatore have rallied around his family. A GoFundMe for Carlo Ballatore’s children’s education has been set up to help support Isabella and Paolo in fulfilling the dream their father worked so hard to give them.
Every donation, no matter how small, is a meaningful gesture of love and support for a family facing unimaginable grief. Supporting this cause not only eases the family’s financial burden but also ensures that Carlo’s legacy lives on through the academic achievements of his children.
Honoring the Life of Carlo Ballatore
Professor Ballatore’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the immense impact one individual can have on so many others. He was not just a UCSD professor or a renowned medicinal chemist—he was a guiding light, a kind soul, and a man of unwavering integrity and compassion.
His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire those he mentored and loved. As we reflect on his life, we remember a man who lived with purpose, who loved deeply, and who gave generously—to his students, to his colleagues, and most of all, to his family.
