Former Science Center Director Dies in New Zealand

Former Carnegie Science Center director Seddon Bennington has been found dead in his native New Zealand. He and a friend apparently froze to death on a hiking trip. Bennington led the Carnegie Science Center from 1994 until 2002, when he was hired to lead New Zealand's Te Papa Museum.

Ron Baillie, who now serves as co-director of the Carnegie Science Center, had remained in touch with Bennington every other month or so via e-mail. Baillie says he was shocked to learn of his former boss' death, but he wasn't surprised that it happened during a hike. Baillie says Bennington was an adventurer and had hiked all over the world.

Under Bennington's leadership, the Science Center launched its Sportsworks facility, and opened two traveling exhibitions. Baillie says Bennington was a "people person" and helped the Science Center become more visitor-focused.

Baillie says Bennington remained interested in Pittsburgh and probably never would have left, had the Te Papa job opportunity not come up. Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum.