A much-loved father has been found dead after disappearing last week.
Matthew Edwards, 34, from Gordon, was last seen on Reservoir Road in Newlyn, northeast of Ballarat, about 2pm on Friday, May 31.
After concerns were raised for his welfare on Saturday, police and SES volunteers launched an urgent search of the surrounding bushland.
Tragically, his body was found in the Leonards Hill area, approximately 17km from where he was last seen in Newlyn.
Mr Edwards is survived by a young daughter and partner.
Matthew Edwards, 34, from Gordon, was tragically found dead this weekend
Mr Edward’s body was found in bushland in the Leonards Hill area
A Victoria Police spokesperson said Edwards’ death was not being treated as suspicious.
Leonards Hill is about 38km from missing mother Samantha Murphy’s home on Eureka St in Ballarat.
Ms Murphy was last seen on CCTV in the driveway before disappearing after leaving for a run at Woowookarung Regional Park.
Victoria Police search crews last week discovered Ms Murphy’s iPhone in the mud at the water’s edge at Buninyong, about 19km from her home in Ballarat.
The phone, protected by a teal-covered case, is undamaged and in working condition. Researchers hope this could lead to the discovery of her body.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said Edwards’ death was not being treated as suspicious
