'Absolutely gutted': Search for missing grandfather with dementia ends in tragedy
The body of a man believed to be missing Perth grandfather Ian Collett has been discovered in bushland south of the city.
Mr Collett, a 65-year-old dementia sufferer, was reported missing on May 19 when he failed to return to his Canning Vale home from a walk.
He was last seen that evening as he walked along Albany Highway at Mount Cooke on the city’s southeastern fringe.
Concerns for the welfare of the former maths teacher increased when the weather turned foul and wild storms lashed the area.
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Members of the public joined SES volunteers, police on horseback, on foot and in all-terrain vehicles on an intensive, 17 day-search covering almost 10,000 hectares of land and 186km of road.
Mr Collett’s body was located in one of the areas that was previously searched, police said, as they praised the “significant” efforts of searchers.
Officers continue to support the distraught family, police said.
Mr Collett had connections to Mount Barker and Albany, and it was believed he may have been trying to reach the regional towns.
The body was found by road workers about 9.30am on Thursday in Ashendon, about four metres from Albany Highway in bushland.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.