A 23-year-old man was found dead on Wednesday in a paddock at the sprawling 40-hectare property known as 'Saturn's Rings' in Eschol Park, Sydney, following a suspected animal attack. Police are investigating the incident, with a key line of inquiry focusing on whether the man entered the property unlawfully.
Emergency services were called to the property shortly before midday after reports of a discovered body. Officers arrived to find the man deceased with significant injuries. Initial investigations suggest he may have been attacked by animals.
The unfinished mansion, named for its distinctive circular design, has a history of tragedy, according to local accounts. In 1982, a 16-year-old girl died after falling approximately 40 meters from the top level of the building. Her family has shared her story to counter beliefs that the incident was an "urban legend."
"No, it actually happened and no, she was not drunk or fooling around," a Campbelltown woman stated, recalling the incident that her sister's death. She added that the property was known among local youth as a place for gatherings.
The property was designed and built by Polish immigrant Stefan Dzwonnik, who died in 2018. Dzwonnik envisioned the mansion as both a family home and the headquarters for his "Universal Power World Society," intended to be a center for a global movement promoting a better life on Earth.
Following the recent death, up to eight dogs, including a German Shepherd, were found on the premises. The animals were reportedly unregistered and lacked microchips. Council inspectors, armed with tranquilizer darts, attended the property on Friday to capture the animals. During the operation, a 53-year-old man sustained a minor hand injury from a dog bite. The dogs were subsequently taken to an animal shelter to be euthanized.
Campbelltown City Mayor Darcy Lound described the event as a "tragic event" and extended condolences to the deceased man's family.