Bodies of Bryan Monk, 70 and Janice Walker, 68 found in Urangan unit

The identity of a man and woman, whose bodies were discovered in an up-market Hervey Bay unit complex can be revealed as other new details about the couple emerge. UPDATES.

A man and woman tragically found dead in their Hervey Bay unit complex can be named as “reclusive” retired couple Bryan Monk and Janice Walker.

This publication can reveal Ms Walker was battling a serious illness and nearing end-of-life care in the months leading to the grim find.

The initial investigation is treating the incident as a suspected murder-suicide, but police say it is not yet known whether the pair had made a pact to end their lives or had similar discussions.

Police first went to the complex at the corner of King and Sandy streets, Urangan, for a welfare check about 12pm Tuesday.

Upon arrival, the bodies of Mr Monk, 70, and Ms Walker, 68 were found inside.

Police at the scene of a complex on the corner of King and Sandy Streets where the bodies of Bryan Monk and Janice Walker were found inside.

While police would not be drawn on any injuries or if a weapon had been located at the scene, they have ruled out the use of euthanasia drugs.

Speaking at the scene Detective Sergeant Mick Polit said “a number of items had been collected for DNA testing along with several documents of interest” but could not provide more details about how the couple died.

The grim find comes less than a year after another Hervey Bay couple made headlines when it was revealed they had made the decision to die at home together.

Beverley and Geoffrey Cornwell were found holding hands in bed, on March 6, 2023.

Mrs Cornwell, 77, had battled multiple sclerosis for years and her husband, 80, had been her devoted carer.

It was later revealed Mrs Cornwell was not eligible to access legal euthanasia under the State Government’s existing VAD laws.

It’s not yet clear whether Ms Walker was interested in Voluntary Assisted Dying or if she would have met the criteria but it can be revealed she had been seriously ill for some time.

A police investigation has begun after the bodies of a man and woman were found at a unit in Hervey Bay. January 3, 2024.

It’s understood the couple had relocated from interstate about eight years ago and did not have family living in the local area.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the street was usually quiet and while the couple kept to themselves, they were often seen sitting together on their balcony.

The alarm was raised with police after the couple had not been seen outside in a number of days however, the neighbour said she had “no idea” something terrible had happened until her friend called to tell her the news.

Undertakers were seen arriving at the leafy property on Wednesday afternoon.

The up-market apartments are surrounded by manicured gardens and poinciana trees – the namesake for the complex Poinciana Penthouse Villas, two streets back from the beach and Hervey Bay’s iconic Urangan Pier.

In a statement, Queensland Police said Detectives from the Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch and forensic police remained on scene Wednesday and a “post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine cause of death”.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If this story has raised issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.