Life and death in the outback: Why Australians are still dying in the bush
The article discusses the tragic deaths of Kelly Townsend's son and ex-husband in the remote outback of Western Australia. Their deaths highlight the dangers of the bush and the importance of carrying personal locator beacons (PLBs) for safety. Despite the availability of emergency equipment, incidents of people getting lost and dying in the outback continue to rise.
- ▪Kelly Townsend's son James and ex-husband Ray died during a prospecting trip in the Murchison region in 2024.
- ▪They became disoriented while hiking and succumbed to the elements without a way to call for help.
- ▪Kelly advocates for the use of personal locator beacons, which can be life-saving in emergency situations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Life and death in the outback: Why Australians are still dying in the bushEBy Erin ParkeLandlineTopic:Missing PersonSun 31 May 2026 at 6:20amSun 31 May 2026 at 6:20amSun 31 May 2026 at 6:20amKelly driving to the campsite where her son and ex husband died in the Murchison region of WA. (ABC News: Chris Lewis)abc.net.au/news/why-australians-are-still-dying-in-the-bush/106680106Link copiedShareShare articleIt's the road trip Kelly Townsend has been dreading.Driving into the desert to try to find the place her son and ex-husband died. Kelly Townsend says it breaks her heart that her son's death could have been easily prevented.(ABC News: Chris Lewis)"I'm feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed," she says.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).