Darryn, aged 22, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and prescribed medication. He had been admitted to Brierly Mental Hospital in Warrnambool about two years before his disappearance. He was subsequently living in the community in Hamilton with his family.
In July 1984, Darryn stopped taking his medication. A family member observed that he became distracted and was hearing voices.
On 28 November 1984, Darryn left home in his vehicle, a white Leyland Mini. He told his parents he was going to the bank. A family member reported Darryn missing to Victoria Police on 30 November 1984. The Missing Person Report recorded that Darryn had ceased his medication in July 1984 and was "possibly depressed, vague" with a "temporary loss of memory".
On 2 December 1984, Darryn’s vehicle was found in the Grampians National Park. A search was conducted until 6 December 1984. No sign of Darryn was found. He has not been seen since. His cause of death is unascertained. The date of death is unknown.
I would be interested to understand what community mental health support was available to Darryn in regional Victoria following his discharge from Brierly Mental Hospital.
The police investigation remained with local police and the Missing Persons Unit until 2004, when it was reviewed by Operation Bellier. A family member was interviewed about his disappearance on 5 December 2024. The medical records from Brierly Mental Hospital relating to Darryn's care cannot now be located.