Car Found in River Reignites Search for Missing Grandmother

The vehicle belonging to Yvonne Whear, a 73-year-old grandmother of 15, has been recovered from the Rous River, nearly seven months after she disappeared from her hobby farm in Dungay, north-eastern New South Wales.

The gold Ford Escape wagon was found on Saturday by two individuals using a kayak and fish finder. The car showed minimal damage and is currently undergoing forensic investigation, according to a social media post from the family.

"Finding Yvonne's car is a significant development in the search for answers," the family stated. "The vehicle remains under forensic investigation."

Ms. Whear was last seen on February 19. She had departed a TAFE course in Murwillumbah and stopped at a service station before heading to her rented farm. Her boots, shirt, and hat were later found at the property, but there had been no further trace of her until the car's discovery.

Phone records indicated her phone was active until approximately 4:45 p.m. on February 19, with the device last pinging east of Dungay at 10:10 a.m. the following day.

Family members suspect foul play, with her daughter Gillian Hallac expressing in August that her mother had shown no signs of depression, mental illness, or dementia. "I believe that she may have been taken from the property, and that her vehicle has been deliberately concealed," Hallac said.

New South Wales Police have not ruled out foul play and are keeping an open mind regarding the circumstances of her disappearance. Detective Acting Inspector Chris Elliott confirmed that investigators have found no evidence suggesting Ms. Whear intended to voluntarily disappear. "The investigation remains open. Detectives continue to examine all available information," Elliott stated.

Missing Persons Registry's Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick emphasized the impact of Ms. Whear's disappearance on her family and community, stating that finding answers remains a priority. "Every lead is assessed, every piece of information is followed up, and we continue to appeal for public assistance," Fenwick said.

Ms. Whear is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 154 cm tall, with a medium to solid build, and long grey/brown hair. She is known to frequent the Murwillumbah and Dungay areas.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police are particularly interested in anyone who may have seen Ms. Whear or her vehicle around the time she went missing.