By Jamie Salter
A family is pleading for information on the whereabouts of their 19 year old son Samuel, who has gone missing following a planned camping trip.
Samuel was last seen at his Lysterfield South home on 9 February.
It is believed he could be imitating the main character in the novel Into the Wild.
The story is about a young man who goes off-grid on his own in the bush and dies after eating a poisonous plant.
Narre Warren Police Station senior constable Imogen Brill said a note from Sam was uncovered at his home saying he was “going walkabout“.
“He’s potentially taking inspiration from that narrative in that book. We are aware of the ending of that book and it does play into our concerns but that’s not the reason we’re searching for him,“ Snr Cst Brill said.
Sam’s car has been located 20km outside of Swan Hill and police believe he is travelling on foot.
He was then picked up by a couple while hitchhiking and spent the night camping in his tent in their backyard.
The couple took him to a town called Nyah, about 20km north west of the Swan Hill area, police said.
Snr Cst Brill said local units were searching campsites and making enquiries with local residents to see if they’ve seen Sam.
“He doesn’t have any cooking equipment, food, money or a mobile phone, so we’re concerned he is in a remote location, he’s not able to contact anyone and doesn’t have enough possessions to be able to last a long period of time in the bush.“
Sam’s mum Elizabeth Thompson said she started to get concerned by February 11 after Sam didn’t answer his phone.
“Our concern is none of Sam’s friends know where he is and he hasn’t answered any of the numerous messages that have gone to his phone from his friends or his family,“ she said.
She said the note that was found was “cryptic“.
“Yes, he mentioned he was going walkabout and he said he would be back, but because it was inside the book and he was taken by the story of that book when he read it a year ago, that has caused us great concern.
“We don’t know what’s going through his head.
“The emotions of all of his family and friends have been a fair roller-coaster since Friday and we just want him safe.
“We really want him to give us a call or a text because we all love him and miss him.“
Sam is in possession of a Blue Pioneer hiking pack, a sleeping bag, and a red and black tent, purchased before he went to Swan Hill.
Police believe he is heading west towards Mildura and are making enquiries in the area.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact their local police station, Narre Warren Police Station on (03) 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Any information at this point is greatly appreciated from members of the public,“ police said.
