Body of missing 61-year-old man found at Edith Falls in Northern Territory
Quick Look
- The body of 61-year-old Dominic O'Connell was found at Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park after he went missing yesterday while visiting the lower plunge pool with his wife.
- Northern Territory Police stated his death is not suspicious and a coroner's report will be prepared.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Edith Falls is a popular tourist destination in Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Previous incidents include a missing tourist in July last year whose body was found in the lower pool, and an unsuccessful search in 2018 for Alex Rosenberg, a 67-year-old Queensland man.
In short:
The body of a 61-year-old man who yesterday went missing from Edith Falls, outside Katherine, has been found.
In a statement, a Northern Territory Police spokesperson said Dominic O'Connell was visiting the popular lower plunge pool with his wife, who is now being offered support.
What's next?
Police say Mr O'Connell's death is not believed to be suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Northern Territory Police have found the body of a 61-year-old man who went missing from Edith Falls outside Katherine yesterday.
In a statement, an NT Police spokesperson said Dominic O'Connell was last seen near the lower plunge pool at the popular waterhole in Nitmiluk National Park, about 300 kilometres south of Darwin, between 1pm and 3pm.
They said Mr O'Connell had been visiting the area with his wife, and police were now providing her with support.
"Police extend their sincere condolences to the man’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," they said.
"Police would also like to thank Parks and Wildlife NT rangers, and all personnel involved in the search for their assistance.
"The death is not believed to be suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner."
Earlier this morning, during the search for Mr O'Connell, the spokesperson said police divers had started searching the lower plunge pool.
"Police and Parks and Wildlife NT rangers have conducted an extensive search of the area using a range of resources but have so far been unable to locate Dominic," they said.
"While Edith Falls remains open today, the lower plunge pool is closed to the public and is only accessible to members involved in the search.
"Police understand there were several people in and around the Edith Falls plunge pool at the time Dominic was last seen and are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was in the area between 1pm and 3pm on Sunday."
Police search and rescue crews have been deployed to the area several times in recent years.
In July last year, a 57-year-old tourist went missing. His body was later found in the lower pool of Edith Falls.
In 2018, a search was unable to locate 67-year-old Queensland man Alex Rosenberg, who disappeared from the area.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
A coroner's report will be prepared regarding Dominic O'Connell's death.
Very likely · Within weeks
Police will speak with individuals who were in the Edith Falls area between 1pm and 3pm on Sunday.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What was the exact cause of Dominic O'Connell's death?
- Were there any witnesses to his disappearance?
- Will safety measures at Edith Falls be reviewed following this incident?
