Missing hiker Alistair Thomson found dead near Alice Springs after week-long disappearance

The authorities are working to retrieve a Victorian man’s body after he was found in the NT outback a week after going missing.

The search for a missing elderly hiker who lost contact with his family for more than a week has ended with police finding his body in the outback.

It comes as his wife touched down from Victoria on Sunday to identify her husband’s remains and begin the work of repatriating him.

Victorian farmer Alistair Thomson set out solo along the Larapinta Trail near Alice Springs on Monday May 13.

Described as an “experienced hiker” with plenty of food and water at hand in a missing persons notice, the 64-year-old father and husband last messaged his family on Tuesday May 21, updating them on his journey.

Missing hiker Alistair Thomson was found dead near Alice Springs. Picture: Supplied

He made no further communications, and his family alerted police last Wednesday after he failed to check back into his hotel and unsuccessful attempts to contact him.

Air and ground search crews were immediately dispatched to the 230km trail, with not only police mobilised, but local rangers, Defence Force personnel, ambulance and even other hikers.

NT Police Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin said information from other hikers sharing the trail was “vital” to narrowing down Mr Thomson’s last known location in the “vast and testing landscape”.

NT Police would offer his wife “any support she needs” according to Ms Tonkin.

“We are incredibly empathetic for the grieving journey that her and her family are on at this moment and we will do everything in our power to assist where possible,” she said.

Helicopter vision from the search, which focused on Section 6 of the 230km trail. Picture: NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services

According to his online profiles, Mr Thomson was a former business executive who worked with several high-profile companies including Kraft Heinz and Weight Watchers.

He served as a councillor at Strathbogie Shire Council in regional Victoria from 2016 to 2020, and his most recent employment was listed as a primary producer.

Police have not yet established a suspected cause of death and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Missing hiker Alistair Thomson found dead near Alice Springs after week-long disappearance