Human remains found as search for missing Tennant Creek man ends

The remains of a missing Tennant Creek man have been found, bringing the five day search to an end. Latest from police.

Tennant Creek Police Station. Picture: Alex Treacy

The remains of a missing Tennant Creek man have been found, bringing a five day land and air search to an end.

An NT Police spokesperson said formal identification of the remains was still required but officers were “confident” the remains belonged to the 52-year-old man.

The spokesperson said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

“Whilst it is a sad day for the family, they are grateful that his remains have been located,” they said.

“The family has expressed thanks to the police and volunteers who searched for (him).”

It comes after police last week launched a search for the man, who was, according to police, unable to walk without a mobility aid.

His vehicle was found abandoned on Tuesday and a “concentrated search effort” kicked off on Wednesday.

“Police utilised motorcycle, All Terrain Vehicles, mounted patrols, a cadaver dog, drone and a helicopter to supplement the foot search of the rough terrain for (the man),” the spokesperson said.

“Northern Territory Police would like to thank all the volunteers who assisted in the search and to those who provided police valuable information.

“Police would also like to thank the members of Norforce Centre Squadron who assisted during the search.”

At press conference on Monday, NT Police Acting Assistant Commissioner, James O’Brien, said the result was a “tragic outcome”.

“Not only for the families, but also for those involved in the actual search.”

Mr O’Brien asked the public to report missing loved ones early.

“Especially those people who are vulnerable in our community, the sooner the Northern Territory Police can deploy their search and rescue experts into these types of situations the better the possible result could be.”

Originally published as Human remains found as search for missing Tennant Creek man ends