Deceased
Damian Peter McKenzie
Demographics
10y, male
Date of death
1974-09
Finding date
2026-05-26
Cause of death
Unascertained
AI-generated summary
Damian Peter McKenzie, aged 10, disappeared on 4 September 1974 during a Young Australia League camp activity at Steavenson Falls near Marysville, Victoria. While hiking the track to the falls with his group, Damian stepped off to use the toilet and was not seen again. An extensive search involving up to 300 personnel—including Victoria Police, emergency services, volunteers, and local residents—was conducted across approximately 31 square kilometres of rough, heavily vegetated bushland with difficult terrain and cliff faces. The official search concluded on 8 September 1974 with searchers holding little hope for survival. The coroner concluded on the balance of probabilities that Damian is deceased, likely having become lost or injured and succumbed to exposure to the elements between 4 and 14 September 1974. No body was ever found despite extensive searches including diving in the falls. No evidence of third-party involvement was found.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
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