Family's Desperate Search for Father Missing on NSW Camping Trip
The family of Phil Hutchison, a 62-year-old man, has made a desperate public appeal for assistance in locating him after he disappeared during a remote camping expedition in northern New South Wales. Mr Hutchison was last seen or heard from on April 2, when he embarked on a journey with his van and caravan into isolated regions.
Vast Search Area in Remote Northern NSW
According to his concerned family, Mr Hutchison was likely travelling through several remote locations, including the Guy Fawkes River National Park, the areas around Ebor, Dalmorton, and the Nymboida River, as well as Marendo Road and Chaelundi Road. He had expressed plans to engage in mountain biking on nearby trails during his trip.
The alarm was raised after his van was discovered without the attached caravan north of Lismore, sparking significant worry among relatives. The search area is described as vast and challenging, with Guy Fawkes River National Park situated approximately 300 kilometres away from where the van was found.
Son's Emotional Social Media Appeal
Mr Hutchison's son, Michael, took to social media to issue an emotional plea for help in finding his father. He suggested that his father might be stranded with his caravan in a remote location with limited mobile phone reception, complicating efforts to establish contact.
'We've got some really distressing news to share,' Michael wrote on Facebook. 'Our Dad is missing. He went camping over the Easter weekend, but nobody has heard from him since. We are concerned for his welfare. Please contact me, our family or police if you've got any details and/or share this post.'
Community Support and Police Response
Friends and online supporters quickly rallied to the family's aid, offering messages of hope and solidarity. One person commented, 'Oh gosh Hutch, this is really awful. Thinking of you and your family and sending positive thoughts for his safe return home,' while another added, 'How terrible. I hope he is found safe and well soon. Sending love and big hugs to you.' A third supporter expressed, 'Oh Michael, I'm so sorry to hear this. Praying he is found alive and well ASAP.'
In response to inquiries, New South Wales Police stated that they had not received any formal missing person report regarding Mr Hutchison at the time of the appeal. Daily Mail has reached out to the Hutchison family for further comment on the ongoing situation.
