Unidentified man found unresponsive in water at Avondale Heights sparks urgent probe into circumstances of death, with identity and cause still unknown.
Body Recovered from Maribyrnong River Sparks Police Investigation:
A man’s body was pulled from the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s western suburbs on Saturday morning, triggering a full police investigation as authorities work to piece together how he ended up in the water.
Emergency services were called to the riverbank in Avondale Heights shortly before 11.30am on February 14 after reports of a person unresponsive in the river. Officers and forensic teams descended on the scene, where a blue body bag was later seen near the water’s edge amid a heavy police presence that included detectives and support units.
The discovery has cast a shadow over the normally tranquil suburban waterway, where families walk dogs and cyclists follow the popular trails. As of Monday, the man’s identity has not been released, and police have not determined how long the body had been in the water or whether the death is suspicious.
Maribyrnong River: Police Investigate, Seek ID of Recovered Body:
The call came in as Melbourne enjoyed a mild summer weekend. Locals in Avondale Heights, a suburb known for its leafy streets and proximity to the river, reported seeing emergency vehicles lining the banks near the walking trails that snake alongside the Maribyrnong.
Photos from the scene captured a forensic officer in protective gear taking notes, a silver SUV parked nearby, and a photographer documenting the area. A large log and rocks lined the shallow section where the body was located. Police quickly cordoned off the site as divers and support crews arrived.
No one has been reported missing in connection with the case so far, according to available police statements. The man’s identity is now the immediate priority for investigators, who will use fingerprints, dental records and DNA to attempt a match.
Scenic Beauty Shadowed by History of Tragedy:
The Maribyrnong River stretches more than 20 kilometres from the outer western suburbs through industrial zones and into the heart of Melbourne. It is a vital green space for the west, popular for rowing, fishing and family outings.
But the waterway has also been the site of multiple tragedies over the years. In 2024 alone, two bodies were found in the river on the same day in July, one of which led to a murder charge. Other incidents, including accidental drownings and suicides, have occurred along its banks. The river’s currents, varying depths and urban surroundings can create hazardous conditions, particularly after rain or for those in distress.
Avondale Heights itself sits on a bend in the river, offering scenic views but also pockets of less visible shoreline. The area is home to a diverse community, including many families who use the river trails daily.
Saturday’s discovery comes at a time when Melbourne’s western suburbs continue to grapple with mental health challenges and calls for better safety measures along public waterways.