Teen found in Ross River identified as Robert Malayta

The identity of a teenager who drowned in the Ross River after trying to escape police as been revealed, with more details uncovered about his sad upbringing.

THE identity of a teenager who drowned in the Ross River after trying to escape police has been revealed, with more details uncovered about his sad upbringing.

The body of Robert Malayta, 18, was found a few metres from the bank of Ross River on Friday morning.

Mr Malayta and a number of other people took off from police after the two stolen cars they were travelling in were hit with road spikes on Riverway Drive at Condon at 3.30am on Thursday.

Mr Malayta and a 22-year-old man jumped into the river to try and escape.

Police searched the Riverway area, and the police dog squad tracked their scent to a dock over the river near Riverway Lagoon.

Mr Malayta was not reported missing until 6pm Thursday, when his family notified police.

His body was found about 11.45am on Friday not far from the dock.

Sources have told the Townsville Bulletin Mr Malayta’s family are from the Burdekin region, and the Department of Children are “well aware” of him.

Divers in the Ross River near where Mr Malayta’s body was found.

The source said both of Mr Malayta’s parents are in jail.

It’s understood Mr Malayta was in and out of care for their young lives.

Originally published as Teen found in Ross River identified as Robert Malayta