Police appeal to public for vital clues following death of Terrence McCallion in Murray River

The death of a man in the Murray still has police baffled years on, but details of a final act on the river bank moments before the grisly find could be vital.

An altercation may have occurred on the bank of the Murray River moments before a 55-year-old man was found dead in the water almost six years ago, police say.

Terrence McCallion was found fully-clothed in the river by a group on-board a houseboat between Bruce’s Bend and Psyche Pumps in Mildura about 3pm on May 1 in 2015.

Another man was on the river bank at the time and began yelling out for those on the houseboat to help.

The man, who is a person of interest to police, is believed to have left the scene in Terrence’s white Nissan Pulsar shortly after.

The group used a small boat to recover the Buronga man and tried CPR on him before emergency services arrived, but he died in hospital later that night.

Despite investigations, detectives are still unsure what led Terrence to enter the river that afternoon.

Police have released an image of Terrence’s white Nissan Pulsar.

Terrence’s vehicle had a distinctive spider sticker on its back-right door.

Police suspect he was assaulted during an altercation and have spoken to the man of interest on numerous occasions since the incident.

In a statement the family said they had been left wondering what happened to Terrence and why.

“The death of a parent is never easy but the violent nature of dad’s death and the mystery surrounding it made it especially traumatic,” it said.

“Dad welcomed everyone into his home and created an extended family that he loved as his own.

“Answers will help give us much-needed closure, so we can finally move forward from the constant pain of not knowing, to remember him for who is was and what he meant to each of us.”

Police are appealing for information after Terrence McCallion was found dead in the Murray River almost six years ago. Picture: Victoria Police

Mildura Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Adam Brymer said police hoped the public had more details about Terrence’s earlier movements on Thursday April 30 and the morning of Friday, May 1.

“We know there are people who do know what happened on that day and hoping they’re now in a position to come forward and assist us,” he said.

“We do have a person of interest, he has been spoken to by investigators but we are seeking further witnesses who may have spoken this person leading up to altercation on the river bank that day.

“Investigators are sure there was an altercation on Victorian side of the bank which caused Terrence to enter the water that day.”

Detective Acting Sergeant Brymer said Mr McCallion’s vehicle was found just south of Mildura a day after the incident and was forensically processed.

“Terrence’s family have a right to know of the circumstances in which led him to his death so they can get the closure they deserve,” he said.

“No matter how small or insignificant the information may be, it could be all we need to piece together the case.”

Anyone with information should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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