Police in the Mid-West Gascoyne region of WA are investigating the death of a man in his 70s and woman in her 60s while hiking at Mt Augustus yesterday.
Police say a man’s body was discovered by walkers on the Summit Walk around 7.30am on Wednesday, around a 45-minute walk from the parking area.
Inquires revealed he was travelling with a woman, believed to be his partner, and a major search of the area was commenced.
Tragically the woman was located deceased around 12.40pm.
This incident comes days after a 53-year-old woman passed away whilst hiking in the Mt Augusta National Park on September 14.
Police say the two events are not related other than by location.
“None of the deaths are deemed suspicious. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths have commenced and reports will be prepared for the Coroner,” WA Police said.
“Mt Augustus is a very remote area of Western Australia where temperatures at this time of year are in the high 30s to 40s during the day.
“Anyone who considers travelling to these remote areas are urged to consider their physical condition and the remoteness of the area.”
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has closed access to the park whilst recovery operations are underway.
Important safety advice for bushwalkers and other people engaged in outdoor activity is available on the WA Police website https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Your-Safety/Outback-Travel-Bushwalking-and-Prospecting
