Devastating update for Queensland father who went missing days before birthday

The frantic month-long search for the beloved dad-of-two has come to a tragic end, his partner revealed online. 

A desperate month-long search for father Joel Pringle has come to a tragic end, with his heartbroken partner confirming his passing. 

The dad-of-two, who worked as a graphic designer, went missing on August 19 in Cannonvale near Airlie Beach in Queensland.

His partner, Eve, raised the alarm after he failed to get in touch that evening and the following day regarding his upcoming 40th birthday party. 

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Joel Pringle's body was found a month after his disappearance.

Tragic end to frantic search for missing dad

Eve created a Facebook group in an effort to locate her missing partner, which amassed over 4,500 members. 

Police, SES and Mr Pringle’s family launched an extensive search for the missing father, narrowing in on the Conway National Park, where his phone last pinged. 

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The mum, who gave birth to a son in April last year, shared an impassioned plea to “please help us find Joel Pringle and bring him home safely to his family”.

Daily updates were posted on the Facebook group, where images of his white Holden Crewman Ute were uploaded, as well as locations that he frequented.

However, on Wednesday morning, the mum shared a post confirming the tragic passing of her partner. 

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“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening,” the post read. “Unfortunately, he has passed.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel – family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help,” she continued. 

“We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

“To everyone who offered their support and kindness - your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends.

“We kindly ask for your understanding and respect as Joel’s family and friends take time to grieve,” Eve wrote. 

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The dad-of-two was a logo designer living in the Whitsundays.

Tributes flow for dad-of-two

Following his tragic passing, loved ones and former clients paid their respects to the father-of-two, who described him as “so talented and charismatic”. 

“I will miss the funny banter, my friend,” a tribute read. 

Speaking to local publication Mackay and Whitsundays, Eve’s mum, Natalie, recalled Joel’s “outgoing, super friendly and sociable personality”, which always made people smile. 

She described the dad-of-two as a clever and witty person who had a fantastic sense of humour, thrived on creative work, and loved drawing and design work. “People are drawn to him; he has a clever way with words and a great sense of humour,” she said. 

Working as a logo designer, Joel built up a strong following of 45,000 followers on Instagram, where he would share his designs and updates from his daily life. 

In 2019, he and his partner “sold everything” and moved to the Whitsundays region on a yacht. “We spend time island hopping, working and enjoying tropical island,” he explained in a post. “It definitely wasn’t easy to live on a boat, but one of the best things we have done.” 

The couple purchased a six-acre block on the Whitsundays in 2023, with plans to build a home and studio. 

Joel was a father to two boys, Henry and Monty; he and Eve welcomed their son in April last year. 

“So in love with you, Monty,” the Queensland father captioned one of his Instagram posts. “Your Mum went to the stars and back to help you arrive Earthside and I’m so humbled and proud to be your Dad.” 

His death is not being treated as suspicious; a report will be prepared for the coroner. 

“The body of a 40-year-old man reported missing from Cannonvale has been located,” a statement from Queensland Police read. “The media and the public are thanked for their assistance.” 

Originally published as Devastating update for Queensland father who went missing days before birthday