HEARTBREAK AS MISSING MELBOURNE GRANDMOTHER JANET KNIGHT, 73, IS FOUND DEAD AFTER MORNING WALK

Janet Knight disappeared from her home in Keilor East after setting out for a walk. Following days of searching, her body was discovered in water in Avondale Heights, leaving her family and loved ones devastated.

A SEARCH ENDS IN TRAGEDY

A desperate search for a missing Melbourne grandmother has ended in heartbreak after 73-year-old Janet Knight was found dead, days after disappearing during her morning walk.

Janet, who lived in Keilor East, Victoria, was last seen on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Her disappearance prompted an urgent search by police and concern from her family, who feared for her safety.

On Wednesday, October 28, a body was discovered in water near Riviera Road in Avondale Heights, in Melbourne’s northwest. Victoria Police later confirmed the identity as Janet Knight.

Police said her death was not being treated as suspicious. <Cite refs={[“turn448546search1″,”turn448546news8”]}/>

HER FAMILY FEARED FOR HER SAFETY

Janet had left home without several belongings she would normally carry, including her mobile phone, wallet and Fitbit. The unusual circumstances heightened her family’s concern as the hours passed without contact.

CCTV footage showed Janet walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in Niddrie at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Sunday. Earlier footage had captured her leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive at around 6:57 a.m.

Her family shared details of her disappearance publicly, hoping someone might recognize her or provide information that would help bring her home safely.

Janet was living with dementia, which affected her ability to communicate. Her family said she enjoyed walking, making her disappearance particularly distressing.

AN EMOTIONAL WAIT FOR ANSWERS

As the search continued, relatives were left waiting anxiously for news while police appealed for information and asked residents to check relevant CCTV and dashcam footage.

The search focused on areas around Keilor East, Niddrie and nearby waterways. Concerns about the weather and local walking routes added to the urgency of efforts to locate her.

The discovery of Janet’s body brought an end to the search, but the outcome was the one her loved ones had desperately hoped to avoid.

POLICE SAY THE DEATH IS NOT BEING TREATED AS SUSPICIOUS

Victoria Police confirmed that Janet had been identified following the discovery in Avondale Heights.

Authorities said the death was not being treated as suspicious. However, the full circumstances surrounding what happened after she left home have not been established in the information publicly available.

No confirmed cause of death has been announced in the reports cited here.

A FAMILY LEFT TO GRIEVE

Janet’s disappearance drew concern from people in her community, with many hoping she would be found safe and reunited with her family.

Instead, her loved ones are now facing the painful task of grieving a mother and grandmother whose morning walk ended in tragedy.

Her story also highlights the particular concerns that can arise when someone living with dementia goes missing, especially when they are without a phone or other familiar belongings.

For Janet’s family, the search may be over, but the loss remains.

May Janet Knight rest in peace, and may her family and friends find comfort and strength as they navigate this heartbreaking time. 🤍