Mark Akers found dead near highway in Jerilderie

Police are continuing to investigate the death of a Brisbane man whose body was found on the side of the Newell Highway in the state’s south last month

Mark Akers. Photo supplied by NSW Police.

Police are renewing their appeal for information as investigations continue into the death of a man whose body was located in southern NSW.

The man – now identified as Mark Akers, a 44-year-old resident from Brisbane – was found approximately 11km south of Jerilderie, on the side of the Newell Highway.

Officers from the Murray River Police District were called to the scene just after 12:30pm on June 17, 2025.

According to police, Mr Akers had sustained critical injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Detectives are now treating his death as suspicious and have established Strike Force Zaventem to further the investigation.

Mark Akers. Photo supplied by NSW Police.

According to the police, Mr Akers departed Brisbane on June 15 for Melbourne.

His journey is believed to have included stops through Goondiwindi in Queensland, followed by Boggabilla and Forbes in New South Wales, before eventually arriving in Jerilderie – approximately 36km north of Finley.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Akers was at a service station on Southey St, Jerilderie, at around 2:30am on June 16.

As part of their investigation, police have released an image of the vehicle Mr Akers was travelling in – a 2021-model black Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series.

The car is said to have distinctive pink stickers on the windscreen, and investigators are appealing for any sightings of the vehicle, particularly along the Newell Highway between Jerilderie and Finley, in the early hours of June 16.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who noticed any unusual activity, to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Mark’s father, John Akers, has also called on the public to share any relevant information that might help police.

“We need a swift resolution and peace for Mark,” Mr Akers said.

“I would like to ask the public, or anyone, who perhaps witnessed anything unusual no matter how big or small, please contact the police.”

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Originally published as Mark Akers found dead near highway in Jerilderie