Kelly Townsend is traveling to the remote Murchison region of Western Australia to visit the campsite where her son James, 33, and ex-husband Ray Dempsey, 66, died in 2024. The men had been prospecting when they left their camp on foot, became lost, and succumbed to the elements. Searchers found their bodies 2 km away three days after an empty camp was reported.
"I'm feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed," Townsend said. She described the land as "a hateful land" and said she is trying to process unanswered questions.
Townsend believes their deaths could have been prevented if they had carried a personal locator beacon (PLB). She is now advocating for mandatory PLB use in remote areas.
Background
The Murchison region is popular among prospectors. Local prospectors discovered the Dempseys' empty campsite and reported it.
Related Incidents
- Retired truck driver Brian Brady survived four days lost in the same region in May 2023. He said he left his safety gear in his car and made the wrong decision to walk. Searchers found him close to death.
- Hiker Neil Campbell was lost for three days in the WA Wheatbelt in November 2024. He said the experience highlights how easily one can get lost.
Statistics
- National data shows an 11% increase in land searches in the last year.
- Over 3,000 land searches are conducted annually in Australia.
- Many fatalities involve locals, not tourists, according to Alex Barrell, chair of the National Search and Rescue Council.
Authorities' Advice
WA Police Sergeant Jim Armstrong emphasized carrying a PLB and staying with the vehicle if lost.
"These days every search and rescue should really just be a rescue," he said.