A breakthrough has occurred in the search for Patrick Liedke, who disappeared in Queensland more than two years ago. His sister, Nicole Liedke, discovered his wallet in bushland near Cobaki, six kilometers from where he was last seen.
Liedke had been tirelessly searching the Piggabeen area, west of Tweed Heads on the Queensland-NSW border, since April 2024, when her brother vanished. He was last seen by a farmer on April 23, 2024, walking along Piggabeen Road, reportedly appearing disoriented and covered in mud.
On July 3, an update shared on the Facebook campaign "Find Patrick Liedke" announced the discovery. "After more than two years and two months of searching, Patrick's family and a dedicated six-member volunteer team and dingo have found Patrick's wallet in bushland in Cobaki," the post stated. A volunteer found the wallet and identification while searching difficult terrain. Police were immediately contacted, and a detective and crime scene officer attended the location to conduct a forensic assessment and retrieve the wallet.
The discovery has prompted Nicole Liedke to urge police to renew and expand their search efforts in the wider Piggabeen area. "Finding Patrick's wallet after more than two years is something we set out to do, but after many years of no answers, it was not expected," she said. "It confirms that our search has been necessary, and it shows that critical evidence is still out there. We are asking the police to renew and expand their search efforts. Patrick deserves to be found."
Liedke expressed gratitude to the volunteers who have supported her extensive search. "These incredible volunteers have searched with me through every grueling kilometer. Without them, this discovery would never have happened," she stated.
Patrick Liedke, who was 39 at the time of his disappearance, is understood to have complex mental health needs, a disability, and is neurodiverse. Queensland and NSW Police conducted a joint search after his abandoned car was found on a property in Cobaki on April 26, 2024. However, Liedke criticized the initial search for not being sufficiently wide-ranging, and it was called off on May 1.
Ms. Liedke previously speculated that her brother may have gone into the bush seeking peace but became lost. In July 2024, she vowed to continue her search indefinitely. "I'm tired. I've been walking every day searching, door-knocking, driving around. I'm never going to stop looking for my brother," she said.
Patrick Liedke is described as Caucasian, 183cm tall, of solid build, with brown eyes, thinning brown hair, and a bushy red-brown beard. Police are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact them immediately.