Missing man’s decomposing body found by side of Stuart Hwy north of Devils Marbles

NT Police have revealled the identity of the badly decomposed body found on the side of the Stuart Highway, north of a popular tourism spot.

A 37-year-old Southern Desert Region man’s body was found on he side of the highway, after laying undiscovered for five days.

UPDATE MON: Territory cops believe the badly decomposed remains discovered on the side of the highway belong to a drunk stowaway who was on the back of a commercial vehicle.

Six days after his body was discovered, NT Police officially confirmed the man’s identity as a 37-year-old local to the Southern Desert Region.

His body was discovered at 2pm, on Tuesday, March 19, 25km north of the Karlu Karlu, the Devils Marbles reserve.

NT Police said his body was found in an “advanced state of decomposition” and was likely laying on the highway for five days, baking under summer temperatures in excess of 36C.

On Tuesday, NT Police said it was believed the 37-year-old was riding on a commercial vehicle when he fell onto the highway.

“At this stage in the investigation, it appears the driver of the vehicle was unaware of the man’s presence on the commercial vehicle,” a spokesman said.

Major Crash Investigators believe the deceased was under the influence of alcohol when he was killed.

“All persons involved are cooperating with police inquiries and CCTV has been made available as a file is prepared for the Coroner,” a spokesman said.

It is understood no charges have been laid in relation to this incident.

INITIAL WED: Police are investigating after a missing man’s decomposing body was discovered on the side of the Stuart Highway in Delamere on Tuesday.

Officers received a report of a deceased male by the side of the Stuart Highway, approximately 25 kilometres north of the Devils Marbles, just before 2pm.

Local police and detectives from Tennant Creek responded and established a crime scene, with the man’s remains having since been recovered and the crime scene closed.

Investigators say their initial inquiries indicate the man may have died as a result of falling from a vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said Major Crash detectives from Alice Springs remained on the scene on Wednesday.

“The man is yet to be formally identified but believed to be a man aged in his 30s, reported missing and last seen by his family on Thursday night,” he said.

“The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, likely having been situated near the road for five days.”

Detectives from Major Crash and Tennant Creek continue to work together to investigate the circumstances involved.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident is urged to call police on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2400028158.

Originally published as Missing man’s decomposing body found by side of Stuart Hwy north of Devils Marbles