University Mourns Sudden Death of Professor and Family

The University of Rochester mourns the loss of Nabi Magomedov, assistant professor of chemistry, who died Tuesday in an accident on the New York State Thruway. Also killed in the crash were Magomedov's wife, Natalya Shcherbinina, and their three-year-old son, Amir Magomedov, according to State Police. The accident occurred in Harriman, Orange County, when the family's SUV was hit head-on by a tractor-trailer that crossed the median and entered the north bound lane.

"This is a true loss for the department as well as for his colleagues in organic chemistry across the country," says Robert K. Boeckman Jr., chair of the Department of Chemistry. "Nabi had made significant contributions in his career at the University, and we'll all miss his creative insights and his drive to excel."

Magomedov came to the University in 2002 after completing his doctorate in chemistry from Ohio State University, and postdoctoral work at Harvard University. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from St. Petersburg University, in Russia. Magomedov's research focused on the discovery and development of new reactions in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. His ambition and sense of innovation earned him a number of young investigator awards, notably the Amgen New Faculty Award and the Research Corporation's Research Innovation Award.

The department is notifying faculty, staff, and students. Undergraduates attending class today are being referred to the University Counseling Center for support. A memorial service is being planned, and more details will be announced as they become available.

"The deaths of Nabi, Natalya, and Amir are a tragic and painful loss for the University family," says Joanna B. Olmsted, interim vice provost and dean of the college faculty. "Our thoughts are with their family and friends in Russia."