The body of a man who disappeared after a day of drinking has been identified by forensic investigators.
Scott Billingham, 38, was at McCreadys Creek, near Mackay in Queensland, on Thursday morning.
The body was discovered at 9:30 am and identified at 3:00 pm.
The tragic news came less than 24 hours after his girlfriend made an emotional plea for anyone with information to come forward and help put an end to the ‘nightmare’.
Scott Billingham, 38, was at McCreadys Creek, near Mackay in Queensland, on Thursday morning
They expanded the search to McCreadys Creek and closed the area to the public Thursday afternoon
Kylie Gunters said she loved and missed him despite tears, and vowed she would “never stop looking” for him.
The father-of-three was last seen on Andergrove Road on March 8 at around 5pm.
It is believed he was dropped off near shops on Emperor Drive after previously communicating with friends at Andergrove Tavern.
Emergency services, including SES personnel and an RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter crew, had carried out extensive searches in the Andergrove area in recent weeks.
Kylie Gunters said she loved and missed him despite tears, vowing she would ‘never stop looking’ for him
They expanded the search to McCreadys Creek and closed the area to the public Thursday afternoon.
It remains unclear whether Mr Billingham’s body was found in the water or on land.
Mackay Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton is urging anyone with information that could help investigators to come forward.
A further report is being prepared for the coroner.