After a 65-year-old Australian man was initially reported to have gone missing, authorities say his remains have been found inside two separate crocodiles.
In a press release issued earlier this week, Queensland Police said it was working to prep a report for the local coroner’s office after finding human remains inside two crocodiles who were euthanized by wildlife officials.
Per police, the remains are believed to be those of the missing man—identified in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation report as Kevin Darmody—who was the subject of a search over the weekend. Darmody is said to have gone missing on Saturday after heading out on a fishing trip in the Lakefield National Park area, which is known for having a high level of croc-related activity.
“Officers believe the two crocodiles were involved in an incident with the 65-year-old and were located upstream from where he was last seen,” police said, adding that search-and-rescue efforts have now been called off.
Speaking with reporters, Police Inspector Mark Henderson called this development a “tragic, tragic ending” for the would-be rescue operation. He also highlighted the case as an example of why visitors and locals alike should always “heed the signs” about the presence of crocs.
Police have estimated the size of each croc at 4.1 meters and 2.8 meters, respectively; in feet, that comes out to roughly 13.4 and 9.1. As noted above, the remains have not yet been formally identified.
“Police will now prepare a report for the corner,” officials said in a press release.
