Tragic end after Aussie dad vanishes on Christmas Day: 'Very sad'
Family and friends have shared their heartbreak after the body of a man missing since Christmas Day has been found in a remote area of Western Australia.
Travis Hart, 34, was last seen on Sunday near Coolgardie, west of Kalgoorlie in the state's Goldfields region.
WA police say a body believed to be that of Mr Hart has was found on Friday within the general search area.
"Inquiries in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death remain ongoing," a spokesman said.
Mr Hart's car was previously found damaged and abandoned near the Bonnie Vale Station railway access where temperatures have soared to over 40C in recent days. Police said the vehicle had been located with what appeared to be damage caused by an accident, the ABC reported.
During the search, family members said it was very strange for the father-of-two not to be in contact with his family for so long.
"He hasn't made any contact with his children. He knows his oldest daughter's number off by heart. He calls her every day, if not every other day, "Mr Hart's sister, Randa Eades, told the ABC.
"He hasn't contacted her since Christmas Eve and that's how we know that there's something seriously wrong."
Tributes flow after body found
On social media, friends and family shared their heartache after learning the news.
"My big brother I can’t believe your (sic) gone u left us without saying goodbye," wrote one friend. "My heartache knowing I can’t see you no more or can't hear your voice any more...
"I will cherish all the memories that we had and I will hold on to them until we meet again."
Another friend shared a video of Mr Hart singing and playing the guitar while reminiscing about past jam sessions.
"My brother, can’t believe it king. Glad I got to have you sing at my 21st last year! Gonna be missed dardy harty," they wrote.
Meanwhile Mr Hart's sister Randa Eades thanked police for their efforts in a heartfelt post.
"Thank you to the Western Australia Police Force and the the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community and uncle Mervyn Eades for their effort in recovering our brother," she posted overnight. "Unfortunately it wasn't the best outcome, my love thoughts and prayers are with all my family at this very very sad time."
An investigation into what happened continues.
with AAP
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