Inquest into the Suspected Death of Messiah YOUNG
Delivered on: 7 July 2026
Delivered at: Perth
Finding of: Acting State Coroner Linton
Recommendations: Nil
Orders/Rules: N/A
Suppression Order: N/A
Summary:
Mr Young was a 20 year old First Nations man born in Alice Springs in 2000.
On the morning of 8 February 2021, Mr Young and two male cousins set out from Docker River, Northern Territory, to travel 210 kilometres to the Wingellina community in Western Australia. The three men were not equipped with food or water supplies and the Toyota Prado four wheel drive vehicle they set out in was in poor mechanical condition.
The three men became stranded when the Prado broke down on the first day of their journey. They abandoned the vehicle and spent three days walking by foot. On 12 February 2021 one of the men became separated from the party. He eventually made it to a road and was rescued.
Due to miscommunication a full search was not initiated for the other two men until 15 February 2021.
The search utilised assets including Police aircraft and drones, TRG, and Warakurna trackers. On 15 February 2021, a body was located approximately 4.3km from where the car had broken down. That body was determined to be one of the missing men, but not Mr Young.
The search area was broadened in the continued search for Mr Young but was concluded on 23 February 2021 when it was determined there was no likelihood of finding Mr Young alive. His body has never been found.
A coroner made findings in relation to the other male, whose body was discovered, concluding the male died from exposure after walking in bushland for several days without food or water, and his death occurred by way of accident.
The Acting State Coroner was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Young died on an unknown date between 12 and 15 February 2021. The Coroner also found that Mr Young’s death most likely arose from a result of exposure but cannot exclude natural causes and left the manner of death as open.
Catch Words: Long Term Missing Person : First Nations Man : Exposure.
Last updated: 20 August 2026