Volunteer Searchers Discover Suspected Remains of Missing Tasmanian Man
“The remains appear to be those of an adult human male.”
— Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack
Volunteer searchers discovered suspected human remains on May 30, 2025, during a renewed search for Peter Willoughby, a 76-year-old man who went missing in northern Tasmania in October 2024. The remains were found in the Eaglehawk Tier area of Underwood, north of Launceston. Tasmania Police have stated that forensic testing is pending but that the remains appear to be those of an adult human male.
Discovery and Police Response
A volunteer from the group Find Our Lost Loved Ones (FOLLO) notified police immediately upon making the discovery. Officers from the Northern District and specialist forensic personnel attended the scene.
Inspector Aleena Crack confirmed that clothing and items found with the remains indicate they belong to Mr. Willoughby, though formal identification is expected to take several weeks. Mr. Willoughby's family has been informed. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Background on the Missing Person Case
Peter Willoughby was last seen on October 5, 2024, at Hollybank Reserve after going to retrieve his bogged car. An initial 10-day police search did not locate him.
The renewed search by FOLLO began on May 29, 2025, and involved dozens of volunteers conducting grid searches over three days in dense fern foliage.
Statements from Participants
Inspector Aleena Crack noted that police are open to learning from the volunteer group and will review their own search tactics alongside those of FOLLO. She stated that the initial police search was conducted under different circumstances, with a focus on finding Mr. Willoughby alive, whereas the volunteer search was more thorough over a longer period.
Alex Smith, a search organizer, received a call just before 2pm on May 30 informing him of the discovery. He stated that Mr. Willoughby's relatives were present at the base camp.
Volunteer searcher Paul Helleman described the discovery as a bittersweet moment potentially bringing closure to the family. He stated that about 50 volunteers were on the ground.
Matt Strickland, a volunteer, attributed the success to the group's “line search” method, conducted grid by grid through the terrain.
Future Plans of the Volunteer Group
FOLLO, which was formed after volunteers searched for missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer in 2023, announced it will next search for Michael Vrankovic, a 58-year-old man who went missing in George Town, northern Tasmania, in January 2025. The group plans to spend approximately four months planning the search.
Key details regarding Michael Vrankovic:
- He was last confirmed seen on January 13, 2025.
- Concerns were raised on January 21, leading to police and State Emergency Service searches between January 23 and March 5, including helicopter patrols, foot patrols, and door-to-door checks.
- No trace was found. His car was not used, and his house showed no signs of disturbance.
- His sister, Sue Ngan Wu, stated she believes he may have been bushwalking on isolated tracks.
Inspector Crack confirmed that while there are no immediate plans for joint searches on other missing persons cases, future collaboration between police and FOLLO is possible.