ICE COLD KILLERS

Some of the most chilling and mysterious deaths have played out in the snowiest of settings

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THE SOUTH POLE COLD CASE

When Australian astrophysicist Rodney Marks died at the South Pole in May 2000 after 36 hours of extreme illness, it was initially believed to be from natural causes.

But mystery and controversy has continued to cloud the case, with many wondering how and why the scientist ingested the methanol – typically used as a cleaning agent – that fatally poisoned him.

Suicide was one theory ruled out by those who knew Rodney, who was 32 at the time of his death. He was in a relationship, socially active and financially sound at the time he died suddenly. He had been working at the US-run Amundsen-Scott research station, which sits in darkness for half the year, where only 13 of the 49 employees cooperated with the police inquiry into the scientist's death. For the most part, New Zealand police’s attempts to investigate were blocked by US authorities. But after years of his own research, journalist Stephen Davis believes foul play is the most likely explanation. “Our investigation shows there are two people who are still around, who have what the police call means, motive and opportunity,” he says.

THE SKI WING MURDERS