Missing person found in car 2 months after search began

Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed, Acting Area Commander of the West Coast, states that Police have concluded their search for a missing 71 year old Greymouth man Joseph BUTCHER.

Mr Butcher was reported missing on the 4 July 2007 to Greymouth Police.

Police launched a major search for Mr Butcher but no signs were located of him or his missing motor vehicle.

This morning Police located Mr Butcher's vehicle down a bank on State Highway 6 in the White Horse Hills area north of Punakaiki.

Senior Sergeant Koefoed stated 'The vehicle was difficult to spot from the roadway and was located in a remote area.

Mr Butcher was found inside the vehicle and the mater will be referred to the Coroner in due course. 

Senior Sergeant Koefoed thanked all the members of the public and the search volunteers for their time and effort spent trying to locate Mr Butcher.

'It will be a relief to the family to have located Mr Butcher after this time' he said.