Douglas Daly: NT Police say death of Roland, 89, believed to be non-suspicious after extensive search

The body of an 89-year-old man, who was reported missing after his car was found abandoned and washed off a creek crossing, has been found.

NT Police officers from Daly River were involved in the initial search but had to be called off due to weather conditions.

The body of an 89-year-old man, who was reported missing after his car was found abandoned and washed off a creek crossing, has been found.

NT Police confirmed late on February 18 the body of the man, named Roland, had been found about 6.05pm “a short distance” from where his car had been found washed off the Stray Creek crossing on Fleming Rd about 5pm the day before.

The body of 89-year-old Roland was found a short distance from where his abandoned and washed away car was found at Stray Creek Crossing at Douglas Daly on February 18, 2025. His death is believed to be non-suspicious.

Roland’s son, who police say was in Darwin at the time, contacted NT Police to report the incident about 10.30pm on Monday.

An initial search by Daly River police had to be called off due to weather.

On Wednesday morning the Search and Rescue Section took over with land and air searches.

The circumstances of Roland’s death are believed to be non-suspicious, according to NT Police.

“The search and rescue section and Daly River police would like to thank the members of the community for their assistance in this operation and our thoughts are with the family of the man,” an NT Police spokesperson said.