Local Search Effort Ends In Tragedy

After an intensive local search effort, the body of Elliot Spinaze, a 22-year-old Ayr man who had been missing since the morning of Saturday, December 30, 2023, was found on Sunday, December 31.

Mr Spinaze was last seen on Graham Street around 3:00am on December 30 before leaving in a grey Hyundai.

The vehicle was located near the Burdekin Bridge later that morning with Police initiating a search of the river involving State Emergency Services (SES) and Mackay’s RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter.

Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis said SES were engaged by police soon after midday on December 30.

“Because it was an urgent matter, we called for assistance from Townsville and Thuringowa,” he said.

“We searched up until nightfall and returned the next day.”

Approximately 20 SES volunteers joined police on both days to assist in the search, relying on drones and ATVs to navigate the river.

“The search was done in heatwave conditions,” Mr Francis said.

“The search was on the riverbank, on the edge of the water, you’re walking in sand the whole time and up the side of the riverbank gets quite difficult,” added Volunteer John Winn.

“It was a direct result of SES searching that led the police to able to narrow down the search area quite considerably,” concluded Mr Francis.

“The police did an excellent job, not only in coordinating the searches but in looking after us as well, so we’re very grateful for their professionalism.”

Mr Spinaze’s death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Remembering Elliot

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 12 to celebrate the life of Mr Spinaze.

Over $18,000 was raised by a GoFundMe set up on behalf of Elliot’s family by Talika Pegoraro to assist in giving him “the send-off he deserves.”

“Elliot was such a beautiful soul, who lit up every life he touched,” Ms Pegoraro said.

“Unfortunately, he lost his battle against the black dog for the last time and was found on the very last evening of 2023.”

Elliot, a former Ayr State High School student, grew up in the Burdekin and was widely recognised as a friendly employee of the Kalamia Hotel.

Elliot’s sister, Charlee, took to social media to thank the community for their overwhelming support.

“Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed,” Charlee said.

“Left over funds from the GoFundMe will be distributed to different mental health organisations in hopes to raise awareness for anyone else struggling.”

Elliot’s memorial service will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 12 at the Plantation Park Bush Chapel, Ayr, from 2:00pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and attendees are invited to wear a touch of green as a symbol of support for men’s mental health.

For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/elliot-spinaze.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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Elliot Spinaze’s family are holding a memorial service to celebrate his life on Friday

SES utilised ATVs and drones in the search. Photos supplied