The remains of a man who went missing while fishing with friends in the Australian wetlands over the weekend have been found inside a pair of crocodiles, officials said.
Kevin Darmody, 65, a hotel owner from Queensland, Australia, was snatched up by the crocodiles Saturday at Kennedy’s Bend, a saltwater river teeming with barramundi fish – and hungry crocs — in the Lakefield National Park, reported ABC Far North.
Darmody was fishing with some friends around 3:30 p.m. when he vanished.
After a two-day search of the area, wildlife officers on Monday shot two crocodiles that were spotted less than a mile from where Darmody was last seen alive.
When the reptiles were cut open at the scene, Darmody’s remains were found inside their stomachs, officials confirmed.
Authorities said they believe the fisherman was grabbed by one or both crocodiles when he approached the water’s edge to retrieve a lure.
The remains of Kevin Darmody, 65, were recovered inside two crocodiles in Queensland, Australia, Monday. Kevin Darmody/Facebook
Darmody was fishing in the Kennedy’s Bend river Saturday when he disappeared. Queensland Police Service
Darmody’s most recent Facebook post (pictured) in 2015 was a series of pictures of a crocodile mauling what looks like a smaller crocodile. Kevin Darmody/FacebookNobody witnessed the attack, but someone in the vicinity reported hearing a loud scream and the sound of water splashing.
Darmody’s flip-flops were later found on the riverbank.
Darmody, known to his friends as “Stumpy” because of his short stature, was the owner of the Peninsula Hotel in Laura, Queensland.
“He was a lovely bloke. A real friendly, chatty bloke,” fellow fisherman Bart Harrison told ABC Far North.
Friends who were with Darmody did not witness the attack, but someone reportedly heard a scream, followed by a splash. Queensland Police Service
Wildlife officials shot and killed two crocodiles less than a mile from where Darmody was last seen alive. Queensland ABC NewsCook Shire Mayor Peter Scott described Darmody as “a bit of a character” and “a tough little nut” who loved fishing.
Michael Joyce, a Department of Environment and Science northern wildlife operations manager said it was rare to find multiple crocodiles devouring the remains of one human victim, but not unheard of.
