Nate Preston: Police provide update on missing Nambour man

Sunshine Coast detectives have appealed for CCTV footage from the night Nambour man Nate Preston went missing in Mooloolaba following the discovery of his phone and bumbag.

Sunshine Coast detectives are seeking CCTV footage from the day Nambour man Nate Preston went missing as his disappearance enters its second week.

The 20-year-old was last seen in the Mooloolaba area about midnight on Sunday, May 22 and has not been seen or heard from since.

Investigators were seeking CCTV from businesses and dashcam footage from motorists on Brisbane Road between Mooloolaba and Kawana from 11pm May 22 until 12pm the following day.

Anyone with information regarding the 20-year-old’s whereabouts is urged to come forward, anonymous reports can be made.

A bumbag and mobile phone believed to have belonged to Mr Preston were discovered by police in the Mooloolaba canals near Brisbane Rd and River Esplanade Mooloolaba on May 27.

A phone believed to be Nate Preston’s that was found in Mooloolaba. Picture: QPS

The dive squad completed the search between May 26 and May 27 with no other items of interest located.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said they were still appealing to the public to see if there is any information that will lead to Mr Preston being found.

“It’s our belief that he’s gone into the water,” he said.

Sergeant Mansfield said investigations suggest this due to the location of the exhibits.

Nate Preston. Picture: Contributed

Sunshine Coast detectives continue to canvas CCTV footage while speaking to those who may have seen Mr Preston after he disappeared.

Close friends of Mr Preston have told the Sunshine Coast Daily they just want their “soldier” to come home with best mate Marlin Belfort saying the 20-year-old is the “toughest bloke” he knows.

Police divers have finished their search of the Mooloolaba canals for missing Nambour man Nate Preston. Picture: QPS

“He’s just a loving, kind soul who would do anything off his back for you and stand up for you,” Mr Belfort said.

“We’re all keeping positive thoughts at the moment because he’s a soldier, a very tough bloke who can get through anything.”

Police divers found a bumbag believed to have belonged to Nate Preston. Picture: QPS

Mr Preston’s former partner Jessica McIntyre said she was worried something bad had happened to the “adored” 20-year-old.

“He has the most beautiful heart, I just really hope that he is okay somewhere,” Ms McIntyre said.

Sergeant Mansfield said his family and mates raised the alarm on Monday, May 24, 2022 when the young Nambour man failed to show at his job in Kunda Park as a forklift operator.

Nate Preston’s phone in Mooloolaba. Picture: QPS

CCTV footage from Saturday placed Mr Preston in Mooloolaba but no one has seen him since and his car was still in Nambour.

He is described as 186cm in height with a slim build and long brown hair and was last seen wearing a black and white striped long sleeve shirt, black sweatpants and a single strap backpack.

Detectives appeal to anyone who was near Brisbane Road and River Esplanade Mooloolaba on the evening of Saturday May 21 or the following morning, who may have relevant information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the area at the time to contact police.

Anyone with information regarding Mr Preston’s whereabouts is urged to come forward, anonymous reports can be made to Policelink on 131 444.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.

Originally published as Nate Preston: Police provide update on missing Nambour man