It is with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden passing of Professor Christopher Fletcher in July 2024.

Professor Fletcher was one of the world’s foremost surgical pathologists. He received numerous prestigious accolades recognising his global leadership, clinical excellence, research contributions, and strong commitment to education. He is fondly remembered for his contributions to teaching, his mentorship, and immense generosity.

Professor Fletcher’s extensive publications include nearly 600 original journal articles and more than 150 books, book chapters and review articles. His award-winning textbook, Diagnostic Histopathology of Tumours (now in its fifth edition), is the gold standard for tumour pathology. He chaired the World Health Organization Working Group for the Classification of Tumours of Soft Tissue and Bone, served on the editorial boards of 15 journals, and held numerous prestigious leadership roles.

Professor Fletcher was a passionate supporter of the work of the ICCR and was Series Champion of the ICCR Bone & Soft Tissue datasets. As one of the ICCR authoring committee members said “There will be many accolades for him focusing on his brilliance as a pathologist and academic but the biggest loss is of such a wonderful human being.”

The ICCR extends our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.