June 15, 2023
Defence Force personnel have travelled to Proston to join the increasingly desperate search on Friday for missing man Luke Fergusson, 28.
Luke – or “Lukie” as he prefers to be called – went missing about noon last Friday from his home in the Stalworth area.
Since then searchers have been scouring the surrounding bushland on foot, on horseback and from the air.
Temperatures in the area have plummeted overnight, adding to fears for Luke’s safety.
Police District Inspector Scott Stahlhut said searchers were satisfied there was a sighting of him about 7:30am on Sunday, about 3.5 kilometres east of his last known location, north of the Wondai-Proston Road.
He said it was an “atypical” search due to Luke’s medical condition, which meant he may not walk towards lights or a building.
“These are things he won’t do. If he’s cold or tired, he may not look for shelter. He may simply sit down where he his and not think about the consequences,” Insp Stahlhut said.
“And there is every possibility that he may be avoiding our efforts to find him.”
Insp Stahlhut said a specialist remote tracking team had been brought in, as well as police divers and a private helicopter.
The search area was also being expanded, with more police resources being added to the many SES, Rural Firies and other volunteers on the ground.
Insp Stahlhut said searchers were relying on information from his mother, Sue, about Luke’s likes and dislikes and were deploying their resources in line with this advice.
He said the nature of the terrain had made the search difficult, ranging from undulating hills to scrub, tall trees and grassy areas.
He said Luke may have started walking along a road, and could even have been picked up by a passing motorist.
“We are not discounting any possibility,” Insp Stahlhut said.
“He may have managed to walk a very long way, or obtained a lift. There is certainly a possibility that he has left the area.”
Residents in the Proston, Hivesville and surrounding area have again be urged to check in their sheds, under buildings and parked vehicles.
Anyone with information should contact PoliceLink on 131-444 or Triple Zero in an emergency.
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