Police have identified a man whose body was found in a Sunshine Coast river more than 18 months ago.
He has been identified as a 47-year-old man originally from Yarram in Victoria.
The man moved from Victoria to the Sunshine Coast in 2023 and was found dead in the Maroochy River on November 30, 2023.
He has been named in the media as Alexander Marinis.
Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry outlined the breakthrough in the case, which had baffled investigators.
“A person who had previously dealt with the man in a professional capacity in Maroochydore recognised the man after seeing an appeal on the news and contacted police to share the information,” he said.
“This information led us to being able to confirm his identity through DNA testing and contact the man’s family.
“I also want to thank the detectives that worked on this investigation with such perseverance and tenacity.
“Detectives went to great lengths to identify the man including several public appeals, door knocks, DNA testing, working to match the internal surgical nails in the man’s right knee with a hospital and inquiries through the global INTERPOL network.
“I am very pleased we have been able to identify him and give closure to his family.”
His death has been deemed non-suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
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