A body has been located during the search for 77-year-old man, John Lockyer (also known as Tony) who was reported missing at Cooma earlier this week, NSW Police reports today.

The man was last seen on Culey Avenue, Cooma, about 1pm on Monday 29 April.

Family reported the missing man to Monaro Police District that evening, with inquiries commencing to locate him.

During an extensive six-day search by emergency services and the man’s family, the body of a man was located on farmland, south of Cooma, about 6pm today, Saturday 4 May.

NSW Police officers attached to Monaro Police District, with assistance from PolAir, the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Services (RFS), NSW Marine Rescue, and ACT Police were involved in land and water searches.

About 10.30pm last night, Friday 3 May, police were alerted to a dog being located by residents in Kiah Avenue, Cooma. Council rangers attended and confirmed it to be John’s dog, ‘Sophie’.

The search involving local police and volunteers, SES and RFS resumed about 7am today (Saturday 4 May 2024) and John’s Toyota utility was located about 3pm this afternoon, near farmland, 10km south of Cooma.

While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.

Initial inquiries indicate there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

NSW Police thanked the community and the media for their assistance.