Nate Preston: Friends search for answers after Nambour man’s disappearance

Those close to missing Sunshine Coast man Nate Preston are searching for answers and want their ‘soldier’ to come home as divers scour Mooloolaba canals.

Close friends of missing Nambour man Nate Preston say they just want their “soldier” to come home as police divers scour Mooloolaba canals.

Brisbane-based dive squad officers searched canals in Mooloolaba on Friday, May 27 and found several items they believe belonged to Mr Preston.

Search and rescue efforts were set to continue over the weekend as efforts ramp up to find the missing 20-year-old.

Mr Preston’s friends were still searching for answers after he mysteriously disappeared in Mooloolaba in the early hours of Sunday, May 22.

Mr Preston, 20, was last seen leaving a Mooloolaba unit about midnight on May 22 and has not been seen or heard from since, with those close to him holding grave concerns for his welfare.

Close mate Marlin Belfort said he had just seen Mr Preston a day before his disappearance.

“It’s just so out of the blue because he was doing so well, he had a really good job, earning good money, had his own place, getting everything back on the road,” Mr Belfort said.

“I saw him on Friday night and nothing looked wrong he was dancing, having a good time but then he said he had to leave early.

Missing Nambour man Nate Preston. Picture: Contributed

“We’re all honestly just broken at the moment, we don’t know what to do anymore.”

Mr Belfort said Mr Preston is the “toughest bloke” he knows who would always be there for anyone.

“He’s just a loving kind soul, who would do anything off his back for you and stand up for you,” Mr Belfort said.

“Nate’s a strong guy who has been battling some demons but we just want him back.

“We’re all keeping positive thoughts at the moment because he’s a soldier, a very tough bloke who can get through anything.”

Mr Preston’s former partner Jessica McIntyre said she has stayed close with him and has been a huge part of her life for the past three years.

“I love him a lot and I’m praying that he’s okay,” Ms McIntyre said.

“I am very worried that something bad has happened … everyone that knows him adores him.

“He has the most beautiful heart, I just really hope that he is okay somewhere.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said his family and mates raised the alarm on Monday, May 24, 2022 when the young Nambour man failed to show at his job in Kunda Park as a forklift operator.

CCTV footage from Saturday placed Mr Preston in Mooloolaba but no one has seen him since and his car was still in Nambour.

He is described as 186cm in height with a slim build and long brown hair and was last seen wearing a black and white striped long sleeve shirt, black sweatpants and a single strap backpack.

If you have any information that can lead to the whereabouts of Mr Preston please contact Policelink on 131 444.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.