Yvonne Whear's car found in river has renewed hope and heartbreak in the search for the missing NSW woman who vanished seven months ago. Police divers discovered the gold Ford Escape wagon in the Rous River at Dulguigan on Saturday, 12 September, a short distance from Whear's home in northern New South Wales.
The 73-year-old was last seen on CCTV on 19 February at a Shell service station in Murwillumbah, where she bought orange juice and put $50 credit on her phone. She then drove through cane fields toward her small hobby farm in the hamlet of Dungay, where she had lived for 23 years with a menagerie of animals.
Discovery of Yvonne Whear's Car in Rous River
Following a tip-off, police divers located the vehicle submerged in the Rous River. The car underwent forensic investigation, and mechanics were also examined. "Several personal items, believed to belong to Yvonne, were also recovered," police said in a statement. "Yvonne was not located with the vehicle and remains outstanding as a missing person."
The discovery came after a member of the public reported seeing the car parked in the dark without lights on Dungay Creek Road at 8:30pm on the day she disappeared. The gold Ford Escape wagon was a key piece of the puzzle, and its recovery marks a significant development in the case.
Key Takeaways from the Investigation
- Car found: Yvonne Whear's gold Ford Escape was recovered from the Rous River in Dulguigan on 12 September.
- No body located: Whear was not with the vehicle and remains a missing person.
- Personal items recovered: Several items believed to belong to Whear were found during the search.
- Family gratitude: Whear's family thanked volunteers, NSW Water Police, and local recovery services.
- Ongoing mystery: The circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear.
Timeline of Yvonne Whear's Disappearance
The timeline of events leading to the discovery of Yvonne Whear's car in the river is crucial to understanding the mystery. From her last known movements to the recovery operation, here are the key moments:

| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 19 February | Whear last seen on CCTV at Shell service station in Murwillumbah; later reported parked on Dungay Creek Road. |
| 20 February onwards | Extensive searches by police and volunteers; no sign of Whear. |
| 12 September | Police divers find Whear's car in Rous River, Dulguigan; personal items recovered. |
The seven-month gap between her disappearance and the car's discovery has left many questions unanswered. Forensic examination of the vehicle may provide clues about what happened.
Community and Police Response
Whear's family expressed deep gratitude to "Sun State Search, our dedicated team of volunteers, NSW Water Police, the specialist police dive team, Tweed Heads Police, and the local recovery services who assisted with the operation." Their statement highlighted the collective effort to find answers.
Local authorities have not ruled out foul play, but the investigation continues. The recovery of personal items suggests Whear may have been in the vehicle before it entered the water. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
What Happens Next in the Search for Yvonne Whear?
With the car now recovered, forensic specialists will analyze evidence to determine how it ended up in the Rous River. The mechanics of the vehicle are under examination, which could reveal whether a malfunction contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, search efforts for Whear herself persist, focusing on the river and surrounding areas.
The mystery surrounding Yvonne Whear's disappearance continues to grip the Tweed Shire community. As police piece together the final moments before she vanished, her family holds onto hope for closure.
FAQ
Where was Yvonne Whear's car found?
Yvonne Whear's car was found in the Rous River at Dulguigan, northern New South Wales, on Saturday 12 September.
When was Yvonne Whear last seen?
Yvonne Whear was last seen on CCTV on 19 February at a Shell service station in Murwillumbah, buying orange juice and adding $50 credit to her phone.
Was Yvonne Whear found with the car?
No, Yvonne Whear was not located with the vehicle. She remains outstanding as a missing person, though several personal items believed to belong to her were recovered.
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