Missing Man Mark Tromp Found After Bizarre, Week-Long Roadtrip Ordeal

It is believed Tromp, 51, was spotted by a member of the public earlier this evening, before police brought him to the local station.

The moment Mark Tromp is taken into Wangaratta Police Station @bordermail @theage pic.twitter.com/0C0rBzKu99

— Ellen Ebsary (@EEbsary) September 3, 2016

Tromp was the last member of his family still missing in the aftermath of an extremely bizarre family road trip. 

Tromp, wife Jacoba, and adult children Mitchell, Ella and Riana left the family home in Silvan on Monday for a “technology free” drive. It was later discovered the family left the home in a rush, even leaving keys in car ignitions.

Mitchell abandoned the trip a day in, returning home after his parents displayed considerable paranoia. He later said his parents appeared as if they were “fleeing something.”

After arriving at Bathurst, Ella and Riana also left their parents, stole a car and drove to Goulburn. 

From there, the two split up. Ella returned to the family home, while Riana was found hitching a ride in the tray of a ute. The driver delivered her to Goulburn police in a confused and stressed state on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it’s thought Mark and Jacoba drove from the Jenolan Caves to Yass, where Jacoba admitted herself to hospital for stress-related health issues on Thursday.

On his father’s discovery tonight, Mitchell said “this is the best news that could ever happen.”

Monbulk police sergeant Mark Knight, who is also a family acquaintance, said there is no history of mental illness diagnoses in the family, nor is there any evidence of drug use. 

Both Riana and Jacoba remain under the supervision of mental health services in Goulburn.

We anticipate we’ll find out exactly what happened, and why, in the coming days. 

Source: Brisbane Times /  ABC / The Age.
Photo: Dougal Beatty / NSW Police / Twitter.

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