Police and forensic teams are investigating the discovery of suspected human remains in northern Tasmania during a volunteer-led search for missing 76-year-old Peter Willoughby.
Discovery of Remains
A volunteer searcher discovered what are believed to be human remains near Excalibur Road in the Eaglehawk Tier area of Underwood, north of Launceston. The discovery occurred during a three-day renewed search that began the day before the remains were found.
Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack stated that forensic testing is pending, but the remains appear to be those of an adult human male. Clothing and items found with the remains suggest they belong to Mr. Willoughby, though formal identification is expected to take several weeks. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The volunteer who made the discovery notified police immediately. Officers from the northern district and specialist forensic personnel attended the scene. Mr. Willoughby's family has been informed.
"The volunteer who made the discovery notified police immediately."
Search Efforts
Mr. Willoughby was last seen on October 5 last year at Hollybank Reserve, north-east of Launceston, after going to retrieve his bogged car. Police conducted a 10-day search initially without success.
The volunteer search was organized by FOLLO (Find Our Lost Loved Ones), a group previously involved in locating the remains of Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer. According to Alex Smith, one of the search organizers, he received a call just before 2pm on the day of the discovery to return to base camp, where he was informed a body had been found. He noted the presence of Mr. Willoughby's relatives at the scene.
Volunteer searcher Paul Helleman stated that about 50 volunteers were on the ground conducting a grid search through dense fern foliage. Volunteer Matt Strickland described the method as a "line search" conducted grid by grid. Mr. Smith noted that the terrain made the search twice as hard as expected and praised Tasmania Police for their immediate response to the discovery.
Police Response and Future Collaboration
Inspector Crack stated that police are open to learning from FOLLO and will review their own search tactics alongside those of the volunteer group. She noted the initial police search was conducted under different circumstances, with a focus on finding Mr. Willoughby alive, whereas the volunteer search was able to be more thorough over a longer period.
"The volunteer search was able to be more thorough over a longer period."
Inspector Crack confirmed police will continue engaging with FOLLO and are open to discussions about methods. There are no immediate plans for joint searches on other missing persons cases, but future collaboration remains possible.