HEARTBREAKING END TO SEARCH: MELBOURNE GRANDMOTHER JANET KNIGHT, 73, FOUND DEAD AFTER DISAPPEARING ON MORNING WALK
HEARTBREAKING END TO SEARCH: MELBOURNE GRANDMOTHER JANET KNIGHT, 73, FOUND DEAD AFTER DISAPPEARING ON MORNING WALK
Janet Knight’s family endured days of uncertainty after the grandmother with dementia left home without her phone, wallet or Fitbit. Police have now confirmed her identity following the discovery of a body in waters in Avondale Heights.
A desperate search for a missing Melbourne grandmother has ended in heartbreak after police confirmed that Janet Knight, 73, was found dead.
Janet disappeared on Sunday, October 25, after leaving her home in Keilor East for a morning walk. Her family raised the alarm when she failed to return, prompting a search involving police and members of the local community.
On Wednesday afternoon, October 28, a body was discovered in waters near Riviera Road in Avondale Heights. Victoria Police later confirmed that the deceased was Janet.
Police said her death was not being treated as suspicious.
A MORNING WALK THAT NEVER ENDED
Janet was last seen on CCTV walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in Niddrie at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Sunday.
Earlier footage showed her leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive at around 6:57 a.m.
Her disappearance caused immediate concern because she had left behind her mobile phone, wallet and Fitbit — items her family said she would normally take with her.
Janet was known to enjoy walking and was familiar with the local area. Her family and police were particularly worried about the cold, wet and windy weather during the search.
HER FAMILY’S DESPERATE PLEA
Janet’s daughter, Nicole, made an emotional public appeal for help finding her mother.
The family explained that Janet had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affected her ability to communicate. Although she could often understand what she wanted to say, she sometimes struggled to get the words out.
Despite her diagnosis, walking remained one of Janet’s favourite activities.
Nicole urged her mother to seek help if she encountered anyone while away from home, emphasizing that her children, grandchildren and wider family were waiting for her return.
The family’s plea reflected the fear and uncertainty experienced by relatives of missing people, particularly when a loved one may struggle to communicate or find their way home.
DISCOVERY BRINGS THE SEARCH TO A CLOSE
After four days of searching, the discovery near Riviera Road brought confirmation of Janet’s fate.
The location was around an hour’s walk from the last recorded CCTV sighting. During the search, police had expressed concern about the weather and the possibility that flooded walking tracks near local waterways could pose additional risks.
Victoria Police confirmed Janet’s identity and said her death was not being treated as suspicious. No further circumstances surrounding the death were established in the reports available at the time of publication.
REMEMBERING JANET
Janet’s disappearance prompted concern across her community, while her family’s public appeals highlighted how much they wanted her safely home.
For those closest to her, the confirmation brings an end to the uncertainty of the search but leaves the pain of losing a mother, grandmother and loved one.
Her story is also a reminder of the vulnerability that can accompany dementia, even for people who remain physically active and familiar with their surroundings.
As Janet’s family mourns, they are surrounded by the thoughts and sympathy of those who followed the search and hoped for a different outcome.
May Janet rest in peace, and may her family find strength and comfort in the days ahead.
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