A body has been found during the search for a Northern Territory man who went missing more than a fortnight ago, bringing a tragic end to weeks of uncertainty for his family, friends, and the wider Darwin community.

The man, identified as 44-year-old Angelo, was reported missing on January 6 after failing to return home or make contact with loved ones. He was last seen at around 8pm on January 3, entering a service station on Bagot Road in Ludmilla, a suburb of Darwin. After that moment, Angelo appeared to vanish without a trace.

Concern for his welfare grew rapidly in the days following his disappearance. Family members said it was highly unusual for Angelo to go for long periods without checking in, prompting them to alert police when repeated attempts to contact him proved unsuccessful. As days turned into weeks, fears mounted that something may have gone seriously wrong.

Northern Territory Police launched an extensive search operation, focusing on areas surrounding where Angelo was last seen. Search teams scoured multiple suburbs, including Ludmilla, Parap, Fannie Bay, and East Point — a popular coastal reserve known for its walking trails, bushland, and scenic lookouts. Officers were joined by specialist units and volunteers as they worked to locate any sign of the missing man.

Earlier this week, both police and Angelo’s family renewed their appeal to the public, urging anyone who may have seen him or had information about his movements to come forward. The renewed call sparked fresh hope that a crucial detail might emerge and lead to his safe return.

Those hopes were shattered on Friday.

Police confirmed that a body, believed to be Angelo, was located in bushland at East Point and recovered from the area. In a statement, officers said they were in direct contact with the man’s family and were providing support as formal identification processes were underway.

“Police are in contact with the man’s family and are providing support during this difficult time while formal identification is being conducted,” a spokesperson said.

While the discovery has deeply affected the community, police indicated that the man’s death is not believed to be suspicious. Preliminary assessments have found no evidence to suggest the involvement of another person, and investigators have not identified any signs of foul play at this stage.

As per standard procedure, a detailed report will now be prepared for the coroner, who will determine the official cause and circumstances of death. This process may take some time, as authorities work to piece together Angelo’s final movements and the events leading up to his death.

News of the discovery has sent shockwaves through Darwin, particularly among residents familiar with East Point Reserve. The area is widely regarded as a peaceful and well-frequented location, making the tragic outcome all the more confronting for locals.

Community members have expressed condolences to Angelo’s family, with many reflecting on how quickly a person can disappear despite widespread efforts to find them. The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by police and search teams when conducting large-scale searches in dense bushland and coastal environments.

For Angelo’s loved ones, the discovery brings devastating confirmation of their worst fears, but also an end to the agonizing uncertainty that has dominated the past two weeks. Support services have been made available to the family as they begin to process their loss.

Police have said no further information will be released at this time while the coroner’s investigation continues.

Angelo’s death marks a heartbreaking conclusion to a search that gripped the local community — a somber reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of loss on those left behind.