Tragic end in search for missing dad Joel Pringle in Whitsundays region

The frantic month-long search for influencer and father-of-two Joel Pringle has come to an end, with his partner giving a heartbreaking update.

The desperate month-long search to find missing father-of-two Joel Pringle has come to a tragic end, with his heartbroken partner revealing the 40-year-old had been found dead.

The search for Mr Pringle began almost a month ago on August 19, after he was last seen at an address in Cannonvale near Airlie Beach in Queensland.

Eve Houghton has given a tragic update on the search for partner Joel Pringle.

In a frantic effort to find Mr Pringle, his partner Eve Houghton created a dedicated Facebook page to assist with search efforts around the Whitsundays region.

Ms Houghton, who gave birth to a son in April last year, wrote at the time of launching the group to “please help us find Joel Pringle and bring him home safely to his family.”

She added; “He was last seen Monday the 19th of August at 3pm at the Lagoon, Airlie Beach and we suspect he is still in the Whitsunday region.

“Look out for his white Holden Crewman Ute with a tray back. Please share the roads you have searched so that we can search a broader area without doubling up.”

The group, which amassed 4500 followers, received daily updates from Ms Houghton, friends and family who were taking part in the search efforts alongside police, SES and volunteers.

But on Wednesday morning, Ms Houghton made the heartbreaking announcement that her Mr Pringle – a popular social media influencer and designer – had been found dead.

Mr Pringle had not been seen since August 19,

Eve Houghton and Joel Pringle moved to the Whitsundays region.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately he has passed,” Ms Houghton’s post on the Find Joel Pringle Facebook page read.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel – family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help.

“We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

“To everyone who offered their support and kindness – your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends.

The search for Mr Pringle extended over four weeks around the Whitsundays region, with friends and family sharing roads searched in a bid not to double up.

Mr Pringle had around 45k followers on Instagram.

“As our search has come to an end, we will be closing this Facebook page. We kindly ask for your understanding and respect as Joel’s family and friends take time to grieve.”

Natalie Stockdale, understood to be the mother of Ms Houghton, described Mr Pringle as “outgoing, super friendly and [having a] sociable personality” with his disappearance falling just days out from his 40th birthday.

“He has a great sense of humour and is both smart and witty. He is also creative and loved drawing and his design work,” she shared with local publication Mackay and Whitsunday Life last week.

“People are drawn to him, he has a clever way with words and a great sense of humour.”

Police confirmed a 40-year-old man had been found dead.

Mr Pringle’s partner, Eve Houghton, has been updating social media with the search efforts.

Mr Pringle, his partner, along with their young family, moved to the Whitsundays region from Melbourne in 2019 after they “sold everything” and lived aboard a yacht.

The pair often posted about their travels and Mr Pringle’s ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle to his 45k followers on Instagram. The pair also started a join Instagram account, @EveandJoel, however that is no longer active.

Mr Pringle and Ms Houghton spent time living on a yacht in the Whitsundays.

“We spend time island hopping, working and enjoying tropical island,” he wrote alongside a social media post of their pair on the yacht.

“It definitely wasn’t easy to live on a boat, but one of the best things we have done.”

Mr Pringle and Ms Houghton welcomed a baby boy in April last year, with the doting dad posting pictures and videos of his son.

“Monty we are so in love with you little guy! Best thing about the studio is your visits,” he wrote alongside one video holding his newborn.

Joel Pringle welcomed a son in April 2023.

“So in love with you Monty. Your Mum went to the stars and back to help you arrive Earthside and I’m so humbled and proud to be your Dad. Promise I will do great for you and always be there for you.”

Mr Pringle’s death is being treated as non-suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“The body of a 40-year-old man reported missing from Cannonvale has been located,” the statement sent to news.com.au read.

“The media and the public are thanked for their assistance.”