Overview
- Jacobus 'John' Bakkum, 85, was declared missing after leaving the Harrietville Hotel and failing to return on Sunday night.
- Sightings tracked his silver Toyota across Mount Hotham and along the Great Alpine Road before it was later seen near Omeo, roughly 85 kilometres from his home.
- A passerby found the vehicle down an embankment off the Omeo Highway at Mitta Mitta on Tuesday morning, prompting a high-angle rescue and air ambulance transfer to hospital.
- Victoria Police confirmed late Thursday that Bakkum, who was initially taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, has since died and an inquiry will produce a coroner’s report.
- Locals remember Bakkum as a long-serving volunteer and business figure in Harrietville, police are asking witnesses or anyone with footage to contact Crime Stoppers, and the case highlights how remote High Country roads can complicate searches and rescues.