Tragic end for missing Queensland tourists in Tasmania: Police confirm couple found dead
A search for two missing
Queensland tourists
in Tasmania has ended in tragedy, with police confirming the bodies of
Leannedra Kang
, 25, and her partner
Takahiro Toya
, 26, were found near their crashed rental car in the state's remote northeast on Friday evening.
Timeline and discovery
The couple, both in their 20s and based in Brisbane, were holidaying in Tasmania and had planned to travel through scenic locations including Richmond, Bay of Fires, Ross, Bicheno, and Mole Creek. Concerns were raised when they failed to board their return flight from Launceston to
Brisbane
on Wednesday and did not return their hire car. Their families, described as 'devastated,' reported them missing after losing contact, with Ms. Kang's regular trip updates ceased abruptly on Tuesday afternoon.
Tasmania Police
launched a search after phone records indicated the couple's last known location was in St Helens on Tuesday. On Friday at around 5:30pm, police located their vehicle, a rental car, upside down in the Great Musselroe River off Tebrakunna Road, about 10km east of Pioneer—a remote forestry area rarely traveled except by mapping systems directing tourists.
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Initial investigations suggest the vehicle left the bridge and plunged several metres into the river below, where it remained partially hidden from view. One body was found beside the vehicle, while the other was discovered about 20 metres downstream, requiring police divers for recovery. Inspector Luke Manhood noted, 'Driving across the bridge, you wouldn't actually see the vehicle unless you stopped. So it's quite possible people have driven down that road and not realised the vehicle was there'.
Police response
Inspector Manhood expressed condolences, stating, 'This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones'. He confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances at this stage, but further forensic examinations will be conducted as standard procedure, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
The discovery has shocked both families, with police having spoken to relatives in Australia and Japan as they come to terms with the loss.
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