Tasmania Police find man’s body during the search for missing Hobart man Gatbel Gatwech
UPDATED: Police have confirmed a man’s body found on the banks of the Jordan River at Bridgewater was that of missing man Gatbel Gatwech.
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UPDATED: Police have confirmed a man’s body found on the banks of the Jordan River at Bridgewater on Tuesday afternoon was that of missing man Gatbel Gatwech.
In a brief statement last night, police said the body was recovered with the assistance of search and rescue personnel, and Mr Gatwech’s family has been notified.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
EARLIER: THE search for a missing Hobart man has taken a tragic turn after a body was found on the banks of the Jordan River at Bridgewater.
Police ground teams located a man’s body about 5.30pm on Tuesday after an extensive air and water search of the area.
The body is yet to be formally identified.
A police statement said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances but officers remained at the scene conducting forensic examinations.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a police marine vessel combed the Jordan River area on Tuesday afternoon looking for Gatbel Gatwech, also known as Tot Tarir.
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Family and friends last heard from the “distressed” 33-year-old about 6.30pm on Sunday after he left a house in Austin Crescent following a conversation with a person known to him.
Bridgewater Inspector George Cretu said a friend raised the alarm at 3pm on Monday after efforts to contact Mr Gatwech failed.
Insp Cretu said the search was focused on the Jordan River area as it was where some of Mr Gatwech’s personal belongings were found.
“We know he was upset, had a conversation with a person and then left a house in Austin Crescent heading to the walkway behind Austin Crescent,” Insp Cretu said.
“We do know from witnesses that he was quite distressed when he was last seen.
“We’ve had a lot of partners making a lot of inquiries on our behalf and that includes local council and local housing providers.
“We have lot of eyes and ears in the community that will help us in these situations.”
Mr Gatwech worked in manufacturing in a southern Tasmanian factory.
He went to school in Tasmania where he was known by his previous name Tot Tarir, but he recently changed it to Gatbel Gatwech.
jack.paynter@news.com.au
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