John Bakkum, an 85-year-old man who vanished from a pub in Victoria's High Country, has died in hospital after being rescued from his crashed vehicle at the bottom of an embankment off the Omeo Highway — bringing a tragic end to a frantic two-day search that gripped the region.
How John Bakkum Went Missing
Bakkum and his wife had finished their regular Sunday evening meal at the Harrietville Hotel at around 8pm when the couple parted ways, as was their usual routine. His wife walked the short 500-metre distance home on foot, while Bakkum set off in the couple's 2007 silver Toyota Prado to drive back. When she arrived home, her husband was not there — and he never came through the door.
Police were notified and immediately launched a search for Bakkum — also known by his given name Jacobus — amid serious concerns for his welfare given his age and the deeply unusual circumstances of his disappearance. A public appeal was issued, with authorities urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Search Tracks the Prado Across the High Country
Investigators were able to piece together part of Bakkum's journey through sightings of his vehicle. The silver Prado was spotted on the Great Alpine Road near Dinner Plain shortly after 9pm on Sunday night. Around 45 minutes later, the car was seen again — this time in Omeo, roughly 85 kilometres from his Harrietville home, and well off any route he would ordinarily take.
Despite an extensive search effort across the High Country involving police and the broader community, Bakkum remained missing overnight and into the following day.
Bakkum Found Down Embankment, Taken to Hospital
It was a passerby who ultimately located Bakkum at around 11.30am on Tuesday, discovering him and his vehicle down an embankment just off the Omeo Highway near Mitta Mitta. Police confirmed the Prado appeared to have been involved in a single-vehicle crash.
Bakkum was retrieved and transported to hospital. At the time of his rescue, his injuries were initially described as not life-threatening. However, he has since succumbed to those injuries and passed away.
Victoria Police thanked the media and the public for their assistance throughout the search operation, which spanned two days across a remote and challenging stretch of alpine terrain.
Investigation Continues Into Cause of Crash
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to Bakkum's car leaving the Omeo Highway. It remains unclear what caused the vehicle to go off the road, and police have indicated the matter will be subject to further examination.
The death of John Bakkum has left a community in mourning, with the search that had captivated Victoria's High Country ending in heartbreak for his family and those who rallied to help find him.
