LATEST @ June 24 | There’s been a tragic end to the search for a Gold Coast man missing in the Hinterland.
The 26-year-old was last seen leaving a Broadbeach address around 3am on June 14, with his car and caravan located several days later in Currumbin Valley.
Following an intensive search of bushland, involving the Australian Defence Force, police confirmed a body was located in Mount Cougal National Park on Wednesday morning.
“Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the non-suspicious death of a 26-year-old Broadbeach man,” the statement said.
“A search and rescue operation was launched in bushland at Mount Cougal National Park in Currumbin Valley on 16 June after the man’s vehicle and caravan were located.
“The man was located deceased at around 11am today, 24 June”.
Investigations are ongoing.
EARLIER @ June 23 | The Defence Force has joined the search for a missing Gold Coast man as fears for his safety grow.
The 26-year-old was last seen leaving an address on Chelsea Avenue in Broadbeach at around 3am on Sunday, June 14.
He was travelling in his silver Hyundai Santa Fe wagon with Queensland registration 672LI3, towing a Galaxy brand caravan.
The man was last seen with his vehicle and caravan at a carpark on Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley around 11am on Monday 15 June but hasn’t been seen since.
Police and SES volunteers have spent days searching through dense bushland, with assistance from Polair and drones, however, there has been no trace of him.
“They train for this, they’re familiar with going into this very arduous landscape and we’re going to go further than we’ve ever gone before with our volunteers,” Acting Inspector Mitch Gray told Seven.
“That’s their speciality and that’s why they’re here for the next couple of days to assist us.”
The search area comprises more than 20 walking tracks which stretch into northern New South Wales, with Police remaining hopeful he has managed to survive the conditions.
“It is an area where there is an availability of water so our hopes are we can find Mr Hidden,” Acting Inspector Brett Jackson told reporters on Monday.
His family says the area is one that he has visited many times and that he was an experienced adventurer.
