Search for Jack McLennan continues
Police and SES crews spent the week searching water courses and bushland near Murgon in an effort to locate Jack McLennan after he disappeared 13 days ago. SEE THE TIMELINE
Police released images of divers searching a body of water on Wednesday as they continued the search for Jack McLennan, who disappeared near Ficks Crossing at Murgon 13 days ago, on October 4.
Authorities now hold “grave fears” for his safety, though they stress there is still no indication his disappearance was suspicious.
He was reported missing the following day and police launched a search and rescue operation.
The only fresh clues have been the discovery of a pair of shoes near the park where he was last seen in Murgon, and the discovery of a hat on Thursday, October 10.
There was about 7km separating the two items.
Police would like to speak to another camper believed to be staying near where Jack disappeared on the night of October 4.
South Burnett Patrol Group Acting Inspector Brett Everest said police deployed specialised drones at the weekend to identify areas for a follow up ground search
“The drones were looking on a much wider scale, but nothing was found,” he said.
“There is nothing to indicate the matter is suspicious.
“There are many different scenarios that we are looking at, but this is still being treated as a search and rescue operation.”
Ficks Crossing is a popular fishing hole about 6km southwest of Murgon.
It is located a short distance from the Bunya Highway and is surrounded by farms and rural-residential blocks.
Jack’s partner Caralee Beetham said it did not make sense that he would just disappear.
“He is very funny, very kind hearted and caring, always into his fitness, playing Xbox and being home with the dogs. He is just a normal guy.
“Everyone who knows Jack, likes him, no one has anything bad to say about him.
“He is smart and fit, if he was lost he would have figured it out.”
Ms Beetham said Jack was drinking with a man he knew and they had plans to go fishing at Ficks Crossing on October 4.
The pair were sighted at the Wondai bottle shop on the day he disappeared.
Police are continuing to appeal to witnesses, particularly a person who camped overnight in the Ficks Crossing on October 4, to immediately come forward.
This includes a person who was travelling in a dark coloured vehicle with a roof top tent, who may have information that would aid in the search.
Kellie Moody, from Memerambi, told media Jack’s car had been found in Murgon, “so she was particularly asking any motorists who were driving on the Bunya Highway on Friday night to contact police if they had seen a man walking along the road”.
“He’s a good walker,” she said. “Jack may have decided to walk back into Murgon or towards Memerambi.”
Jack’s father Ross McLennan flew up from Tasmania to join the search, other media have reported.
If you have information for investigators, phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000.
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