The tight-knit community of Yunta in South Australia's remote outback has been rocked by tragedy after the body of Gus Lamont's grandson was discovered in surrounding bushland, ending a desperate search for the missing man.
Discovery in the Desert
South Australia Police confirmed the devastating news that the 32-year-old man, whose identity is being withheld at this time, was found deceased on Tuesday in rugged terrain near the small outback town. The discovery came after an extensive land and air search operation involving multiple police units and local volunteers.
A Nation Mourns with Television Royalty
The deceased was the grandson of Gus Lamont, one of Australia's most beloved television personalities, famous for his role as Ted Douglas in the iconic soap opera Neighbours. The Lamont family has been a fixture in Australian entertainment for decades, making this personal tragedy resonate across the nation.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding the death are still being investigated, with detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Branch taking charge of the case. A police spokesperson confirmed that while the death is not being treated as suspicious, a comprehensive report is being prepared for the coroner to determine the exact cause.
Community in Shock
The small town of Yunta, located approximately 350 kilometres north-east of Adelaide with a population of just over 100 people, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Local residents had joined emergency services in the search effort, highlighting the close-knit nature of outback communities.
Family Legacy
Gus Lamont, now 86, became a household name through his long-running role on Neighbours, appearing in over 300 episodes between 1992 and 2010. The Lamont family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
Police have urged anyone with information about the man's movements prior to his death to come forward as they continue to piece together the final hours of the tragedy that has touched both a remote community and a celebrated Australian family.
