Police are investigating the suspected murder of a 73-year-old Northern Rivers woman whose remains were discovered in bushland near Terragon, more than seven months after she disappeared.
Yvonne Whear was last seen driving along Queensland Road in Murwillumbah on 19 February 2026, sparking an extensive investigation into her disappearance.
Her remains were found in a stock dip on Kyogle Road at Terragon on Monday, 5 October, with police now confirming her identity and treating her death as a homicide.
The discovery comes weeks after police divers recovered Ms Whear’s vehicle from the Rous River at Dulguigan on 12 September.
Officers had searched the river following reports of a vehicle potentially submerged on the riverbed, but Ms Whear was not inside when it was recovered.
Detectives are now working to piece together her movements and determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer said police remained committed to finding those responsible and providing answers to Ms Whear’s family.
“Yvonne was a mother, grandmother, a great grandmother and a person who was clearly loved by those around her. While we can now provide some answers to her family, there are still significant questions about what happened to her and how she came to be where she was found,” A/Supt Zimmer said.
“Someone knows what happened to Yvonne. Whether you have previously spoken to police or have information you have not yet shared, we need you to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information could prove crucial as we work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and hold those responsible to account.”
“Yvonne’s family has endured many months of uncertainty, and they deserve answers. We are committed to pursuing every line of inquiry and urge anyone who can assist to contact police.”
The investigation is continuing under Strike Force Milera, with detectives appealing for information that could help establish what happened to Ms Whear between her disappearance in February and the discovery of her remains.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tweed Heads Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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