a day ago
Man whose body was found on NSW highway was not travelling alone, police say
A Queensland man who was found dead on the side of a highway in New South Wales was heading to Victoria with another person, police say.
Mark Akers, 44, left Brisbane on June 15 to go on a road trip to Melbourne.
His body was found on the roadside of the Newell Highway south of Jerilderie in the Riverina region two days later.
Police said Mr Akers, who was last seen alive at a service station in Jerilderie at about 2:30am on June 16, may have been hit by a car.
Murray River Police District crime manager Jy Brown said Mr Akers's death was being treated as suspicious.
"The circumstances around him being located deceased after leaving Jerilderie in the morning is where we are now focusing our investigation," Detective Chief Inspector Brown said.
He said Mr Akers's vehicle had been located in Victoria and was being forensically examined.
"We are still in the process of investigating how his car got to Victoria, who may have been in possession of that vehicle," Inspector Brown said.
He said Mr Akers left Queensland with a person who was known to him, but did not provide more details.
"At this stage, I can confirm that there has been no charges laid," Inspector Brown said.
Police would not confirm whether the other occupant of Mr Akers's car was under investigation.
Mr Akers's father, John, said his son's death was devastating.
"Mark was the kindest soul, who would do anything for anyone" he said in a statement issued via police.
"We need a swift resolution and peace for Mark.
"We are devastated by his passing and miss Mark terribly."
Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae said the community hoped more details would emerge.
"Nobody should ever lose their life in such tragic circumstances" she said.
"We just have to have faith that the police will do their job thoroughly."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the car travelling through southern NSW and into Victoria to contact Murray River Police or Crime Stoppers.
