“We are so sorry for Bill’s family…” Those were the heartbreaking words from a Western Australia Police spokesperson as they delivered the news no one wanted to hear: a body believed to be that of missing 25-year-old FIFO worker William ‘Bill’ Carter has been located, bringing a tragic end to the desperate 10-day search that had the entire state holding its breath.

The young miner, described by loved ones as a quiet, hardworking bloke with a heart of gold, disappeared on December 6 after his mum Jenny O’Byrne dropped him at Perth Airport for what should have been a routine flight back to his remote job site near Karratha. Instead, in a mystery that baffled investigators and gripped the nation, Bill never boarded the plane – and now, authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery.

theaustralian.com.au

WA Police find body of man suspected of being missing FIFO worker William Carter | The Australian

Formal identification is still pending, but police are confident the body found during ongoing searches in the northern coastal areas is Bill’s. A report is being prepared for the Coroner, the standard procedure in such cases. The announcement on December 16 came as a devastating blow to Jenny, his partner Janae Williamson, and the rest of his close-knit family, who had clung to hope amid growing fears for his welfare.

The saga began like so many ordinary FIFO mornings. Jenny, a devoted mum from Kelmscott in Perth’s southern suburbs, drove her son to Terminal 3 after he returned from an overseas holiday. The pair shared a relaxed breakfast at a cafe, laughing over old times, before Jenny snapped that now-poignant selfie – Bill smiling casually in his black t-shirt, looking every bit the relaxed 25-year-old ready to head back to the red dust of the Pilbara.

She waved him off around 12:40 p.m., expecting him to check in for his afternoon flight and settle into another swing at the mine. But airline records soon showed he never scanned a boarding pass. About 90 minutes later, Bill hailed a taxi from the airport and asked to be dropped at Trigg Beach – a beautiful, popular spot in Perth’s affluent northern suburbs, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, but worlds away from the harsh mining camps he knew so well.

mybeach.com.au

Trigg Island – My Beach

CCTV and witness accounts placed him near the Trigg Surf Lifesaving Club on West Coast Drive around 2:40 p.m. Slim-built at 174cm, with brown hair and striking blue eyes, Bill was carrying just a small backpack, dressed in shorts and white sneakers. He was seen walking north along the coastal path, appearing deep in contemplation. That was the last confirmed sighting.

When he didn’t arrive at the site, his employer raised the alarm with Janae, who quickly contacted Jenny. By evening, a missing persons report was filed, and the search exploded across media and social platforms. Appeals featuring Jenny’s selfie went viral, with thousands sharing pleas: “Have you seen Bill? Last seen at Trigg Beach.”

As days turned into a agonizing week, Jenny spoke bravely to reporters, revealing her son had been facing personal challenges. “He’s a quiet, affable young man,” she said, her voice trembling. “This is completely out of character.” Family sources later confirmed Bill had recently stopped taking medication for anxiety, and there were serious concerns about his mental state – concerns that now cast a heartbreaking shadow over the case.

The FIFO lifestyle, while lucrative, is notoriously tough. Bill had followed a familiar West Australian path: attending Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, studying at Murdoch University, then diving into the resources boom for the big paychecks that come with fly-in fly-out rosters. Sites near Karratha power massive iron ore and gas operations, but the price is weeks of isolation in dongas, scorching heat, and time away from loved ones.

miningreview.com.au

Mining Camps in the Pilbara Could Soon Be A Thing Of The Past – Australasian Mining Review

Janae, Bill’s devoted girlfriend, stood by Jenny throughout, sharing updates and urging the public to keep looking. The couple had dreams of settling down, perhaps leaving the FIFO grind behind one day. “He was my rock,” Janae reportedly told friends. “We just want him home safe.”

Police threw everything into the search: ground teams scouring Trigg’s dunes and paths, drones overhead, doorbell footage reviewed from nearby homes. The community rallied – locals checked dashcams, surfers kept an eye out during swells, and the tight-knit FIFO network shared stories of mates who’d felt the strain.

Trigg Beach, usually buzzing with families and boardriders, took on a somber tone. Candles appeared on the sand, messages scrawled in the surf club guestbook: “Come home, Bill.”

destinationperth.com.au

Trigg Beach

Mental health advocates used the case to highlight the hidden toll on miners. “The roster can break even the toughest,” said a spokesperson from Mates in Construction. Companies have boosted support – on-site counselors, apps for check-ins – but stigma lingers, and not everyone reaches out.

Then, on December 16, the update came. Police located a body in the search area. “We are so sorry for Bill’s family,” the spokesperson said, voice heavy with regret. No details on the exact location to spare further pain, but the timeline matched perfectly.

Jenny was notified first, then Janae. Sources say the mum was “utterly devastated,” collapsing upon hearing the news. The family has requested privacy as formal processes continue.

Tributes flooded in immediately. “Heartbroken for his mum and Janae,” posted one friend. “Rest easy, mate – the Pilbara won’t be the same without you.” Colleagues planned a minute’s silence at the next shift change, flags lowered at mining offices across the state.

The resources sector paused to reflect. Bill’s story echoes too many others – young blokes chasing the dream, only to feel overwhelmed by the reality. Unions renewed calls for better wellbeing checks, while hotlines like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) reported increased traffic.

As Christmas nears, Perth’s beaches and suburbs feel the loss. That airport drop-off, the taxi ride, the walk along Trigg – ordinary moments now etched in sorrow.

Police thanked the public for their overwhelming support during the search. “Your shares and tips meant everything,” they said.

The Coroner will provide official answers in time, but for now, a community mourns a young life cut short. Bill Carter – son, partner, mate – gone too soon, leaving behind questions, grief, and a reminder to check on those who seem quiet.

“We are all so sorry,” echoed across the state. Rest in peace, Bill.