Missing Northern Rivers grandmother Yvonne Whear remains unaccounted for almost seven months after she disappeared.
Yvonne Whear’s family confirmed that her gold Ford Escape was found on Saturday, September 12, in the Rous River along Dulguigan Road, east of Dungay, where she lived.
A photograph shows the mud-covered vehicle following its recovery, with the visible windows appearing to be closed.
There appears to be minimal damage to the vehicle and it is now undergoing forensic examination.
The car was found by men using a kayak and a fish finder. Yvonne’s family thanked Cam from Sun State Search, their team of volunteers, NSW Water Police, specialist police divers, Tweed Heads Police and the local recovery services involved in the operation.
The family described the discovery as a significant development in the continuing search for answers.
Last seen travelling towards Dungay
Yvonne, 73 was last seen driving north along Queensland Road at Murwillumbah on February 19.
She had attended an art class that day before being recorded on CCTV at a service station on Tweed Valley Way at about 3.15pm.
Her gold-coloured Ford Escape was captured several minutes later travelling towards Dungay, where she lived and cared for numerous animals.
That was the last confirmed sighting of Yvonne.
Her family previously said items found at the property indicated she had returned home that afternoon.
Her boots and the hat she had been wearing were at the home, while food had been left cooking and clothes were prepared for the following day.
Activity continued on Yvonne’s phone later that afternoon, including viewing art-related videos and checking her voicemail.
The phone made its final known connection in the Dulguigan area the following morning before going silent.
The car has now been recovered from the same general area as that final phone connection.
Search for Yvonne Whear
Police and volunteers searched large areas surrounding Dungay during the months after Yvonne disappeared.
The extensive operation involved ground searches, helicopters, drones, police boats, sonar equipment and specialist divers.
Bushland, rural roads and waterways surrounding Dungay were among the areas examined.
Her family has consistently said there was nothing to indicate she intended to leave her family or animals without explanation.
Investigators have not identified any evidence suggesting Yvonne intended to disappear voluntarily.
The recovery of her vehicle may provide investigators with new evidence, but it does not yet explain how the Ford Escape entered the river or what happened to her.
In an August public appeal, Yvonne’s daughter, Gillian Hallac, said every passing day brought further confusion and heartbreak.
Ms Hallac said her mother might have been taken from the property and her vehicle deliberately concealed.
“That is my belief as her daughter, based on what I know about the circumstances in which she disappeared,” she said.
“Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest detail could help bring Mum home, and we’re begging people to share what they know. Our family, especially her grandchildren, need answers.”
Anyone who saw Yvonne, spoke with her or noticed her vehicle around the time she disappeared is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report through the Crime Stoppers website.
Picture: Supplied by Yvonne Whear’s family and used with permission.