Father and tree lopper Martin Wheeler has been identified as the 36-year-old man who jumped into crocodile-infested waters while running from the police.
Queensland Police confirmed a member of the public made the grisly discovery of Mr Wheeler’s body in the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton at about 11pm on October 21.
Police had been chasing Mr Wheeler who was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant through the centre of Rockhampton when he jumped into the river shortly after 6pm on Thursday, October 19.
Two officers saw Mr Wheeler go under the water in distress after yelling for help, police said.
A multi-day search and rescue operation was launched, with police shutting down a large selection of the river as emergency services deployed boats, helicopters and special diving teams in a frantic attempt to find Mr Wheeler.
The search was unsuccessful before the member of the public made their grim discovery late on Saturday.
Mr Wheeler’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed, with investigations ongoing, a police spokesman said.
The river is well known to be home to many dangerous animals.
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“Obviously the Fitzroy River’s had a history of crocodile sightings – there was one disturbed last night in the search area as well, which was around the vicinity of the pylons underneath the new bridge,” Chief Inspector Mark Burgess said on Friday.
“There are a number of bull sharks in the area, which is known through local knowledge, so there certainly are a number of hazards.”
A 4.5 metre saltwater crocodile was removed from the river in July.
