A 52-year-old New South Wales woman missing in a remote part of Cape York may have left her bogged vehicle trying to find help, according to police.
Jamilla Humphrey was last seen about 1am on 20 August 2024 leaving a home on Moss Avenue in Toukley, on the NSW Central Coast.
When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Ten days later, on 29 August, police announced the vehicle Ms Humphrey was believed to be driving had been found in far northern Cape York.
The white Mitsubishi van with NSW registration AE 92 WX was found bogged on the Old Telegraph Track (OTT) near the Jardine River.
As ground and air search operation involving local police, SES personnel, Indigenous rangers and “a number of aerial assets” is continuing, with police telling media on 2 September they believed Ms Humphrey could have walked away from her vehicle in a bid to find assistance.
“On [29] August, a white Mitsubishi van … which was believed to have been driven by Jamilla, was located on the Old Telegraph Track, approximately three kilometres south of the Jardine River in Cape York,” Cairns Detective Inspector Kevin Goan said.
“We understand that she was travelling alone with the intention of travelling to the tip of Australia.
“It’s concerning to us that she has left her vehicle; the vehicle was located in a bogged state.
“Jamilla’s personal effects appear untouched within the vehicle, which would give rise to the fact that she’s walked off, away from the vehicle, likely seeking help.”
Police have released new images of Ms Humphrey and now believe she has short, brown hair, and may be wearing dark shorts and a dark t-shirt.
She is described as Caucasian in appearance with a fair complexion, about 180 centimetres tall, thin build and blue eyes.
Anyone who might have seen Ms Humphrey or her vehicle in the area is urged to call the Bamaga police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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