Five years ago, the son of iconic Aussie actor Bill Hunter vanished without a trace.
James Hunter, 52, wasn’t reported missing until July 2021 after failing to make contact with his family for months.
But, the Newcastle resident’s last bank transaction was in Dubbo in February 2020, prompting fears he met with foul play while travelling in western NSW in the later days or months.
An extensive drone search in March 2024 near Mendooran resulted in 33,000 high-resolution images being captured by investigators.
However, no trace was found of Mr Hunter.
Police on Friday 28 February launched a renewed appeal for help in working out what happened to the 52-year-old, the late actor’s son from his first marriage.
He had been travelling for work on various properties, including one at Mendooran where his blue Toyota Hilux ute was found more than two years after he vanished.
A strike force was set up at that time to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
His daughter, Chloe Maree, has said she is convinced her father is dead as he wouldn’t go so long without making contact, despite a falling out in the family before he disappeared.
Mr Hunter’s father, Bill, was one of Australia’s most celebrated actors, starring in hit films such as Muriel’s Wedding and Strictly Ballroom.
He died in 2011 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police every year and more than 2,500 people remain missing long-term.
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