MISSING MELBOURNE GRANDMOTHER JANET KNIGHT, 73, FOUND DEAD AFTER DISAPPEARING DURING MORNING WALK

Janet Knight, who was living with dementia, vanished after leaving her home in Keilor East, Australia, without her phone, wallet or Fitbit. Her body was discovered in water four days later, and police say her death is not being treated as suspicious.

A Melbourne family is grieving after missing grandmother Janet Knight was found dead days after disappearing during an early-morning walk.

Knight, 73, left her home in Keilor East, in Melbourne’s north-west, early on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search involving police and concerned relatives, who feared for her safety because of her dementia diagnosis and the cold, wet weather.

On Wednesday afternoon, October 28, a body was discovered in water near Riviera Road in Avondale Heights. Victoria Police later confirmed that the body was that of the missing grandmother.

SHE LEFT HOME WITHOUT HER PHONE OR WALLET

CCTV footage showed Knight leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive at approximately 6:57 a.m. She was later seen walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in Niddrie at around 7:38 a.m.

Her family became increasingly worried when they discovered that she had left behind her mobile phone, wallet and Fitbit — items she would ordinarily take with her.

Her daughter, Nicole, described the disappearance as completely out of character. Although Knight was physically active and regularly walked around her neighbourhood, her family feared she might become disoriented or struggle to seek help.

FAMILY SHARED CONCERNS ABOUT HER DEMENTIA

Nicole revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affected her ability to communicate.

She explained that Knight could often understand what she wanted to say but struggled to find the words to express herself.

Despite her diagnosis, walking remained one of her favourite activities. She was familiar with the local area and regularly visited routes around Steele Creek Trail towards Maribyrnong.

Her family had appealed publicly for help, urging anyone who encountered Janet to offer assistance and contact authorities.

SEARCH ENDS IN TRAGIC DISCOVERY

Police and family members were particularly concerned about the weather conditions and the possibility that nearby waterways and walking tracks had been affected by heavy rain.

After days of searching, the discovery of a body in waters near Riviera Road brought the search to a tragic conclusion.

Victoria Police confirmed that the body had been identified as Janet’s. Authorities said her death was not being treated as suspicious. No further details about the circumstances of her death had been confirmed in the initial reports.

A FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING GOODBYE

During the search, Janet’s daughter had shared an emotional message asking her mother to come home.

Nicole reminded her that her children, grandchildren and wider family loved her and were waiting for her return.

That plea now reflects the heartbreak faced by the family following the discovery. What began as a desperate search for a missing loved one has ended in grief.

For those closest to Janet, she will be remembered not simply for the circumstances of her disappearance, but as a mother and grandmother whose life was cherished by her family.

May Janet Knight rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her children, grandchildren and everyone who loved her during this devastating time. 🤍🕊️