By Kath Gannaway
POLICE believe the body of a man found near Lyrebird Avenue at East Warburton yesterday evening may be that of Walter Wilhelm.
Mr Wilhelm, 86, had been missing from his Wonga Park home since Thursday, 18 December.
Mr Wilhelm, known to family and friends as ‘Wally’, had previously lived in Warburton. It is believed he visited his wife’s grave at the Wesburn Cemetery on the Friday.
Police and the family had expressed grave concerns for the welfare of Mr Wilhelm sparking ground and air searches.
Sergeant Sharon Darcy of Victoria Police, in a media release just after midnight this morning (29 December) said police had received a report around 6pm that a white Hyundai i30 sedan, the type Mr Wilhelm was driving, was bogged on the Yarra-Silvan Conduit clearing near Lyrebird Avenue.
Police identified the car as Mr Wilhelm’s and a search of the area located the body of a man nearby.
Ms Darcy said that at the time of the release a formal identification had not been made.
Police do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances, however will await the results of an autopsy.
