Fears are mounting for John Kilroy, a 74-year-old prominent restaurateur, who vanished on Sunday night after going for a walk along the Brisbane River. Kilroy was last seen when he left for his stroll but did not return, prompting a notification to the police.
Kilroy, who had been secretly battling cancer for five years, was undergoing treatment and staying with friends at the time of his disappearance. A friend told the Courier Mail that Kilroy was experiencing significant pain and went for a walk, after which he was not seen again.
Born in rural western Queensland, Kilroy began his career as a waiter before building a notable restaurant empire. His notable establishments included Cha Cha Char, Jellyfish, and Giardinetto, alongside investments in pubs such as The Fox and The Exchange. The hospitality mogul faced significant financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to him selling many of his venues.