The family of missing Adelaide woman Colleen South have paid tribute to their “beautiful angel” after a body was found at Bunguluke, in Victoria’s north-west.
A farmer made the discovery in a paddock on Swan Hill-Charlton Road, south of Mackies Road, just before 4pm on Monday.
The body is yet to be formally identified. However, Mildura Superintendent John O’Connor said it was “highly probable” the body was Ms South’s.
“It’s highly likely that the body that was found last night east of Wycheproof is that of Colleen South but it’s yet to be formally identified and we are waiting for DNA analysis to confirm that,” he said.
Superintendent O’Connor said the body was discovered under a large tree in high grass only about 2 kilometers from where Ms South’s abandoned car was discovered crashed in a ditch on July 3.
He said police were preparing a report for the coroner, which would include a review into the search process.
Emergency services and Ms South’s family conducted an extensive search of the area in the hope of finding her.
In a tribute posted online, her family said they were “heartbroken and in shock.”
“We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for your endless support, calls & messages for the past 5 weeks. We are so grateful,” they wrote.
“Fly high our beautiful angel.”
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