Man Found in Maroochy River Identified as Victorian Resident After 14-Month International Search
The identity of a man found dead in Queensland’s Maroochy River in late 2023 has finally been confirmed after a global, 14-month search. Alexander Marinis, a 47-year-old man from Victoria, was laid to rest in Melbourne last month, bringing closure to a mystery that had puzzled police and the public alike.
Mr Marinis’s body was discovered in November 2023 without any identification or personal documents. Police quickly ruled out foul play, but despite multiple public appeals and international efforts, his identity remained unknown for over a year.
A breakthrough came when a Centrelink worker recognised Mr Marinis’s face from an ABC report and recalled a past interaction. This tip led detectives to identify him, with confirmation made through DNA provided by family members.
Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry explained that extensive efforts were made to uncover the man’s identity, including DNA testing, door knocking, and global inquiries via Interpol into surgical artefacts found in his knee.
“While this is a tragic circumstance, we are pleased to have given some closure to his family,” he said.
Mr Marinis had been estranged from his family for nearly a decade. His mother, Maree Bergamo, said she was devastated to learn of his death more than a year after it occurred. She described him as intelligent, kind, and loyal, though he had gradually distanced himself before relocating to Queensland in 2023.
During his youth, Mr Marinis had been a standout athlete, holding multiple records at Collingwood Little Athletics Club. In later years, he lived quietly and alone in regional Victoria before moving north.
Authorities still know little about his final days. He appeared to have lost his phone shortly after contacting emergency accommodation services on the Sunshine Coast. A week after his body was found, police located some of his belongings — including a backpack and a Bunnings receipt, which led to CCTV footage showing him just days before his death.
Despite significant public interest and appeals, no one came forward at the time to identify him.
At his funeral, Mr Marinis was remembered as a much-loved and decent individual. His family said it was heartbreaking that he didn’t reach out for help in his final days.
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