Outpouring of grief after missing angler Dylan Leschke’s body found in Norman River, Normanton
The grieving partner of a missing fisherman whose body was found in a croc-infested river in outback Queensland has revealed their haunting final moments as police investigate how he died.
Townsville
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The grieving partner of a missing fisherman whose body was found in a croc-infested river in outback Queensland has revealed their haunting final moments as police investigate how he died.
The heart-wrenching saga began when 33-year-old Dylan Leschke, a long-time Normanton local and avid fisherman, was reported missing on Monday after his vehicle was found near Jim Whyte Bridge on the Norman River in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
His partner Desiree Callope said his keys, shoes and phone were also found, which was out of character and prompted serious concerns.
Police embarked on a search for Dylan using boats, helicopters, and ground teams, which ended when he was sadly located deceased in the river around 7pm on Tuesday.
Specialist police have been deployed to Normanton to further the investigation, and police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
When police broke the devastating news to Ms Callope, it was like all her worst fears coming to life.
She said authorities hadn’t ruled out yet if his death could be considered suspicious.
“No words can explain the pain of losing your partner,” Ms Callope said.
“I don’t know what’s happened, but I just can’t see my partner leaving his son, leaving me, leaving his home, his dogs, his business, and everything he’s worked so hard for.”
She said the last time she spoke to Dylan was on Sunday night: “I kissed him goodnight and told him I loved him.”
Early the next morning, her dad saw Dylan taking the dogs for a walk before he went missing later the same day.
“Dylan was well respected and admired everywhere he went; he didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Ms Callope said.
“I honestly can’t see how this could happen to the most amazing, intelligent, sweet, loving person I met.
“He had never shown signs of hurt or pain he was going through. He was a strong man.”
Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. Quote this reference number: QP2400533032
Originally published as Outpouring of grief after missing angler Dylan Leschke’s body found in Norman River, Normanton
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