Police scale back search for Luke Fergusson, Proston

The heartbroken mother of South Burnett man Luke Fergusson, who disappeared 12 days ago, has asked the community to remain vigilant as the official search winds back.

The Queensland Police have scaled back the search for a young South Burnett man who was last seen 12 days ago. Picture: Supplied.

The distressed mother of a missing 28-year-old Proston man is pleading with the community to stay vigilant in checking their properties for possible sightings of her son.

The Queensland Police have scaled back the search for Luke Fergusson who was last seen 12 days ago.

Mother Susanne Bedey said her son’s last sighting was at the family’s Abbeywood Rd address at Proston at around midday on Friday, June 9, 2023.

The Queensland Police have scaled back the search for Luke Fergusson, who was last seen 12 days ago. Picture: Supplied.

Since then, the overnight temperatures in the region have regularly plunged to below zero.

Ms Bedey described her 28-year-old son, who has autism, as more like an ‘eight-year-old child’, who was likely afraid and confused.

She said someone may have picked him up and gone, “Oh, this person is not normal” and let him out of their car again and so we might be looking in the wrong place.

Ms Bedey told Queensland Country Life she was happy to chase any lead.

“We just need someone to see him so that we’ve got a point where we can start searching again,” she said.

‘Gladly trade my life’: Mum’s pain as search for son scaled back

The Defence Force, SES volunteers and Burnett residents searched throughout hundreds of square kilometres for Luke.

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The operation covered the nearby townships of Proston, Stalworth, Abbeywood and surrounds.

South Burnett Patrol Group Inspector Scott Stahlhut said although the investigation into Luke’s disappearance was continuing, the difficult decision had been made to scale back the search.

‘This outcome is heartbreaking for Luke’s loved ones and I offer them my condolences on behalf of the Service, search party and the community,” Mr Stahlhut said.

An active missing persons investigation will remain in place.

Mr Shahlhult said Luke’s family had continually expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, particularly the local community who have turned out in force to help.

“Every piece of information, no matter how small, assists investigators,” Mr Stahlhut said.