From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
Yvonne Whear's car found in river
Seven months after Yvonne Whear vanished, police have found her car near home, but not the missing 73-year-old.
In brief
Seven months after Yvonne Whear vanished, police have found her car near home, but not the missing 73-year-old. The car find gives investigators new evidence, but Yvonne Whear remains missing and police say there is no sign she left by choice. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Car found nearby
Police divers found Yvonne Whear's car in the Rous River at Dulguigan on 12 September, a short distance from her home, after receiving a tip.
Items recovered
The waterlogged vehicle is now under forensic and mechanical examination. Police recovered several personal items believed to belong to Whear.
“Yvonne was not located with the vehicle and remains outstanding as a missing person.”
Last seen shopping
Whear, 73, was last seen on CCTV on 19 February buying orange juice and adding $50 credit to her phone at a Murwillumbah service station.
A strange sighting
That night, someone reported seeing her gold Ford Escape parked in the dark without lights on Dungay Creek Road, less than a kilometre from home.
Home left waiting
Her boots and hat were at home, food was in the slow cooker, and clothes were folded for the next day. Her family said she would never leave her animals overnight.
No sign she left
Her phone last pinged the next morning near where the car was found. Police say there is no evidence she disappeared voluntarily.
“She’s the type of person who would let you know if she was unhappy”
The bottom line
The car find gives investigators new evidence, but Yvonne Whear remains missing and police say there is no sign she left by choice.
