The family of missing 45-year-old father-of-four Daniel O’Meara has made a desperate plea for information, after he disappeared over a month ago.
Mr O’Meara was last seen leaving a house in Roleystone around 11.30pm on March 9, driving a white and silver Toyota Hilux utility. He told friends he was driving to his dad’s place in Manning, but he never arrived.
His sister, Tania O’Meara, said she became increasingly worried after he missed his birthday on March 17.
“He told mum he wanted to be around loved ones for his birthday. Then he just didn’t show up, so we’re really concerned,” she said.
His dad, Kevin O’Meara, said the last few years had been rough on Daniel; a messy break-up had isolated him from his four children in Newcastle.
“He was under constant stress all the time, and I think this was just a way out for him,” Mr O’Meara said.
On Wednesday 27 March, Mr O’Meara’s abandoned car and trailer were spotted by a member of the public in remote bushland at the Monadnocks Conservation Park, Mount Wells, over 80km from his dad’s house.
Inside the ute was his wallet, phone, keys and a bible.
Police began an immediate search of the area, but Mr O’Meara was not found.
With the assistance of mounted units and SES volunteers, WAPOL escalated the search of the area on Thursday 28 March and Friday 29 March. And a second location was searched on Monday, 1 April.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Mr O’Meara has still not been found.
Search efforts have officially wrapped up, but police are still continuing their enquiries to locate Mr O’Meara.
And his family hasn’t abandoned hope of finding him alive, telling local media that he knew how to handle himself in rugged bush conditions.
He is described as being 183cms tall, with a medium build, brown hair and blue eyes.
Concerns are held for his welfare, anyone who has any information on Mr O’Meara’s whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444.
“We just want to know that he’s ok, and [tell him] that we love him,” Ms O’Meara said.
