The man who was found dead next to his boat during flooding in South Australia’s Riverland has been identified as Loxton grandfather Robert Glen Westbrook.
Key points:
- Robert Westbrook’s body was found this morning
- Police say it is unclear what happened
- Another man was found dead near Waikerie last month
The 78-year-old’s body was found on flood plains near the River Murray at Loxton North this morning.
Former Loxton Waikerie mayor Leon Stasinowsky remembered Mr Westbrook as a key part of the local community.
“It certainly saddens me to think that somebody of his calibre has gone and he will be sadly missed,” Mr Stasinowsky said.
Mr Westbrook’s body was found not far from his dinghy, but police say they are unsure about exactly what happened, although it is not being considered suspicious.
“Adjacent to where he was found was an upturned dinghy, along with his vehicle parked nearby as well, so a really tragic set of circumstances,” Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said.
Police and State Emergency Service crews began the search yesterday afternoon after Mr Westbrook was reported missing.
Rescue efforts continued until nightfall and resumed briefly today before the man’s body was discovered just before 8:30am.
The man’s death is the second linked to the state’s flood emergency, after a 72-year-old man died near Waikerie last month.
His body was found in Ross Lagoon at Taylorville on December 11.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding that death.
