A 62-year-old man has died and a 69-year-old man is in Royal Darwin Hospital following a tragic incident that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday 28 November the two men departed Lajamanu Community after obtaining some food and water from the local store before travelling to an outstation to hunt and were due to return to Lajamanu yesterday.

When the pair did not return as planned yesterday, other community members became concerned and several decided to travel to the outstation to check on the men's welfare.

About 56 kilometres east of Lajamanu on the Tennant Survey Road the search party turned off on a track leading to the outstation and came across the vehicle the men were travelling in.

A short time later they found the two men at the Winnekie Creek Crossing but the 62-year-old man had died. They provided assistance to the 69-year-old man and conveyed him to the Lajamanu Clinic for further medical treatment.

Lajamanu Police were notified of the circumstances and an initial crime scene was established at the scene, however there appears to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man's death.

The 69-year-old was medivaced to Royal Darwin Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

In an unrelated incident a 50-year-old man was found deceased yesterday along the Nutwood Downs Road, just outside of Minyerri.

It appears that the 50-year-old man and another man aged 46, were travelling along Hodgson River Road at slow speed when the Toyota Landcruiser they were travelling in struck a cow. There was no damage to the vehicle and neither of the occupants was injured.

When the vehicle failed to start, the 50-year-old man decided to walk towards Minyerri, whilst the other man remained with the vehicle. Minyerri Police received a report late yesterday afternoon that a deceased man had been found by a passing motorist, just outside of Minyerri, who was later confirmed to be the 50-year-old man. Investigations are continuing.

Acting Superintendent Steve Heyworth said that both these deaths are tragic situations and a harsh reminder of the severity and remoteness of the Northern Territory.

"Both men who died fell victim to the harshness of the arid conditions of the Northern Territory, and it is timely to remind people who are travelling long distances on isolated roads that they have sufficient food and water with them at all times, and where possible let someone know their travel plans."

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of these two deaths and files will be prepared for the Coroner.

Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3185