ADF to assist in search for missing boy Gus

Members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will join today’s search for missing four-year-old August ‘Gus’ in the state’s mid north.

Gus was last seen at his family’s remote homestead, approximately 40 kilometres south of Yunta, at around 5pm on Saturday, 27 September.

Gus is described as Caucasian, with long blond curly hair. He was last seen wearing a grey sun hat, a cobalt blue t-shirt featuring a yellow ‘Minion’ character, light grey long pants, and boots.

Yorke Mid North police are leading the search and being supported by specialist resources including STAR Group, Water and Mounted Operations Units, PolAir, and Dog Operations.

The search effort has also been bolstered by police cadets, SES volunteers, trailbike and ATV teams, drones, a traditional Aboriginal tracker, and a large number of dedicated community and family members.

A contingent of 48 personnel from the Australian Defence Force will commence their deployment to the search area at 8am this morning and are anticipated to assist police with ground searches over the coming days.

Police continue to urge anyone who may have information that could assist the search to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000, quoting reference #250513.

Gus’ family released the following statement via police on Tuesday 30 September:

We are devastated by the disappearance of our beloved Gus on Saturday afternoon. This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened.

Gus ‘s absence is felt in all of us, and we miss him more than words can express. Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely.

We are incredibly grateful to the South Australia Police, emergency services and the many organisations and community members, neighbours and friends who have come together to help find Gus.

At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we focus all our energy on supporting the search and working closely with the police.

We are deeply distressed and ask that the media please refrain from contacting us directly. Thank you for respecting our wishes and for continuing to keep Gus in your thoughts.