Australia Peter Willoughby, 76, Last Seen Sunday 5th October 2025 at Hollybank Forest Reserve, near Launceston, Tasmania

Lucy.D

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  • #1
Scottsdale (Tasmania) man Peter Willoughby has not been seen since he wandered off into bushland north-east of Launceston on Sunday afternoon.

Police say the 76-year-old was in the area trying to recover his bogged car when he became separated from his group.



 
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  • #2

(...)


“It’s very possible he is experiencing hypothermia. The weather conditions here for the last couple of nights have been bitterly cold, especially because of the wind chill factor.”

When he went missing, Willoughby had only the clothes he was wearing and an axe. His phone was left at home.


(...)
 
  • #3


Search for missing man Peter Willoughby, 76, continues in Tasmanian bushland​


In short:​

Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby has not been seen since he wandered off into bushland north-east of Launceston on Sunday afternoon.

Police say the 76-year-old was in the area trying to recover his car when he became separated from his group.

What's next?​

Mounted rescue crews, drones and all-terrain vehicles will be involved in the continued search.

Tasmania police say "trying conditions" were a concern as the search continued for missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby.

On Tuesday, dozens of emergency services personnel have been searching bushland near Hollybank forest reserve, north-east of Launceston, two days after the 76-year-old went to retrieve his car.

A "systematic search" of more than 110 hectares of bushland has so far been unsuccessful.

Police said Mr Willoughby is being treated for a medical condition, which can result in him sometimes becoming disoriented.
 
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  • #4

Fears grow for missing Tasmanian man Peter Willoughby lost in freezing bushland​


Police rescued him and his wife and returned them home with plans to retrieve the car later.

He went back to try and retrieve his car which was bogged.

He has not been seen since.
 
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  • #5
  • #6
It’s heartbreaking to think someone could just vanish like that. I really hope Peter is found safe. The terrain out there can be unforgiving, especially in cold weather.

I wonder if he tried to follow a track or creek line and got turned around. Disorientation can happen so fast, especially with a medical condition involved.

Peter sounds like a capable bloke, but even the most experienced can get caught out. Hoping for a miracle and sending strength to his loved ones.
 
  • #7
It’s heartbreaking to think someone could just vanish like that. I really hope Peter is found safe. The terrain out there can be unforgiving, especially in cold weather.

I wonder if he tried to follow a track or creek line and got turned around. Disorientation can happen so fast, especially with a medical condition involved.

Peter sounds like a capable bloke, but even the most experienced can get caught out. Hoping for a miracle and sending strength to his loved ones.
I would have thought if the car was stuck on a track then the logical thing to do would be to follow that track to your vehicle, get it unstuck and drive it out along the track you came on, not go wandering off into the bush.
Your explanation to his disappearance makes sense and your description why grieving people may react differently when losing a child like Gus lamont was eye-opening @UnDiluted7
 

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