The family of a young stockman who mysteriously disappeared seven months ago in outback Western Australia say they’re desperate for answers.
Key points:
- Wylie Oscar went missing in November last year
- A widespread search around Fitzroy Crossing has found no trace of the 22-year-old, aside from an abandoned car
- Family say they want answers about his whereabouts
Wylie Oscar, 22, was last seen at the Junjuwa Aboriginal Community, on the outskirts of Fitzroy Crossing, in November.
The nephew of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner June Oscar, Wylie’s disappearance came just over a month before the town and surrounding region were devastated by once-in-a-century floods.
The ABC understands Wylie was at a home in the community on November 4 when there was a disagreement between family members.
He took a car from the address and drove away.
He was reported missing a week-and-a-half after the last sighting, when the red Toyota LandCruiser he had been driving was found abandoned with two flat tyres on Brooking Springs cattle station, just outside of the Fitzroy town site.
The vehicle was filled with food and water from a previous camping trip but it appeared Wylie had not taken any supplies with him.
Police held concerns for his welfare and a search ensued, which included a group of Indigenous trackers, WA Police, and state emergency service volunteers.
Despite the extensive search, no trace of Wylie was found and the search effort was formally suspended on November 23.
He has not been seen since.
Family call for answers amid small town rumours
Wylie’s brother, Keel, was involved in the initial search for him.
He said despite those involved having extensive knowledge of the land, they had been unable to find his brother.
“We tried our best but we couldn’t find any sign or nothing,” the 20-year-old said.
He said he was not giving up hope.
“I reckon the [police] should keep looking – we tried our best but some people … they’re giving up slowly,” Keel said.
“We’re not giving up, but we do need help to find him.”
Keel said there were many theories around what happened to Wylie and his family hoped to get to the bottom of where he was.
“For me, [he’s ended up in] the wrong spot at the wrong time,” he said.
Keel’s mother Michelle Armstrong has also helped search for Wylie.
“[When he went missing] I was really terrified, I could not believe what happened,” she said.
Ms Armstrong said the one-week search carried out to find him hadn’t been enough, and she would join her son in also keeping an eye out for his brother.
“My favourite memory was him coming around to my house,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Having yarns with us, joking around. We miss him and the smile he had on his face all the time.
“We want him to just come home and be around family.”
Keel agreed.
“He’s a good bloke and miss him every day; he taught me everything I know,” he said.
“I love him and I miss him every day. I play songs that he used to play because it makes me think of him.”
The search continues
WA police said while the land search was suspended, they would act on any new information.
“Regardless of weather, Kimberley police will continue to take information from the public in relation to welfare and whereabouts of Mr Oscar,” a spokesman said.
Wylie is about 170 centimetres tall with a slim build, short curly black hair, black facial hair and brown eyes.
Friends and family describe him as shy and quiet, and an experienced bushman and stockman.