Prominent NSW engineer Greg Saenger found dead at Ballina in northern NSW

Tributes are flowing for one of the state’s leading engineers and a father of two young children who was found dead after he was reported missing in northern NSW on Monday.

Greg Saenger has been found dead after being reported missing. Picture: NSW Police.

Tributes are flowing for one of the state’s leading geotechnical engineers and a father of two young children who was found dead after he was reported missing in northern NSW on Monday.

Byron Bay man Greg Saenger, 45, was called in as a missing person after he was last seen on River St at Ballina about 7.30pm on August 12.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, Richmond Police District officers were notified and launched investigations into his whereabouts.

Police were called to South Ballina Beach after a body was found in the water about 6.30am on Friday.

Greg Saenger. Picture: Civil Construct.

While the body has not yet been formally identified, it is believed to be that of Mr Saenger.

Mr Saenger is one of New South Wales’ leading geotechnical engineers, having overseen major infrastructure projects for more than a decade in northern NSW and South East Queensland.

In the wake of his tragic death, tributes have flooded social media.

Friend Bronwen Silvester, who had a “special bond” with Mr Saenger, said she was “heartbroken”.

“I’m devastated and heartbroken. I haven’t stopped crying,” she wrote on Facebook.

Isaac Humphries described the loss as “gut-wrenching”.

Emilou Stockbridge wrote: “Kindest friend – always real, always there when you needed, was lucky enough to share so many heartfelt conversations about being human with no judgment.” “The world needs people like you (Greg) with big hearts and compassion. Heart breaking for your dearest loved ones n (sic) friends… Greggy stay with them always Jess, Indi and Gracie,” Ms Stockbridge added.

Ange Shepherd wrote: “Rest in beautiful paradise Greg. Eternal waves for you mate. You are so loved.”

Friend Andy Lines added: “So sad. RIP mate.”

Monique Palmer wrote: “RIP Greg you will be extremely missed by your loved ones.”

Dean Atkins wrote: Terrible news, you will be missed Greg. Sending love to his family and children.”

Mr Saenger is the director and principal engineer for his company, Civil Construct, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He was a senior representative for the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade in northern NSW, as well as the Halfway Creek to Glenugie and the Woolgoolga to Ballina W2B projects.

He also stepped in for the Lismore Disaster Relief Program to oversee a number of crucial infrastructure repair projects.

Mr Saenger’s Facebook profile also shows him hitting the waves on a surfboard in the Northern Rivers.

Tragedy had in recent years struck the Saenger family when Mr Saenger’s father Peter - a professor of coastal management at Southern Cross University - died unexpectedly in 2021.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.