Alexander Marinis dies in fatal Maroochy River drowning
Fatal Maroochy River drowning death of Alexander Marinis
Following a global investigation that spanned over a year, authorities have confirmed the identity of a man whose body was located in the Maroochy River. The identification was achieved after extensive efforts by Queensland detectives, who initially struggled to determine who the man was.
The man, identified as Alexander Marinis, a 47-year-old from Victoria, was discovered by members of the public in November 2023. At the time of the discovery, he had no identification on him, and police investigations concluded that there was no evidence of criminal activity. Despite multiple appeals for information and a thorough search, his identity remained unknown for more than a year until a breakthrough was reached.
The turning point came when a Centrelink employee recognized Alexander Marinis in a television report aired by the ABC, recalling a previous encounter with him. This led to police being able to confirm his identity through further verification, including DNA testing. Once identified, his body was returned to Melbourne for a funeral, where friends and family paid their respects.
Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry stated that the death was classified as accidental and non-suspicious. He emphasized that significant measures were taken to identify the man, including door-to-door inquiries, DNA analysis, and international cooperation through Interpol. The final step involved matching DNA from family members, which confirmed Alexander’s identity. Lowry also mentioned that a report would be submitted to the coroner, noting that the case involved a tragic and prolonged investigation.
Alexander’s mother, Maree Bergamo, expressed devastation upon learning of her son’s death. She revealed that he had withdrawn from his family a decade earlier and moved to a remote area in Victoria before relocating to Queensland in the weeks before his death. Bergamo, who had lost contact with him, hired private investigators but was unable to locate him. Her son was last seen packing to move, and authorities later confirmed he had vacated his residence without a forwarding address.
The case garnered widespread public attention, with numerous individuals attempting to assist in the identification process. One person claimed to have found a wallet matching the man’s description, but it was not confirmed. Additionally, advanced DNA testing by the Australian Federal Police did not yield any matches in international databases.
Alexander Marinis was remembered as a talented athlete during his youth, holding records in discus, long jump, and shot put. A former classmate described him as exceptionally gifted, particularly in sports. However, his later life was marked by isolation, and his family expressed regret that he did not seek help.
Details surrounding his final days remain unclear. Police believe he did not drive a car and that his phone likely malfunctioned or was lost after he arrived on the Sunshine Coast. His belongings, including a distinctive backpack and a Bunnings receipt, were found near the riverbank, and CCTV footage showed a man matching his description near the store days before his death. Despite appeals, no witnesses came forward.
Bergamo shared her grief at his passing, calling him a “loner” who was deeply missed by his loved ones. She noted his kind and law-abiding nature and lamented the lack of closure during his final years.
