A body discovered in the Steavenson River on Christmas Day 1971 remains unidentified, sparking renewed interest from detectives in Victoria’s Alexandra Crime Investigation Unit. The body of an unknown man was found by children approximately 60 metres downstream from the Maroondah Highway bridge. He was believed to be in his 40s or 50s, described as having dark hair and a large build, and was dressed in blue jeans, a white shirt, a vest, and desert-style boots.
Among the items found with the deceased were a thick waist belt, a gold Unicorn watch, and a black signet ring inscribed with “21.4.71 P.U.C.K.” Despite extensive efforts, including a coronial inquest that concluded his death was due to drowning, authorities failed to identify him at the time. Dental analyses did not reveal any useful information, and the body had decomposed significantly, making it impossible to ascertain physical injuries that could indicate foul play.
The case faded from public memory until recent efforts to solve the mystery reignited interest. Detectives are now focusing on the signet ring, which could provide valuable clues about the man’s identity. Recent speculation suggests the inscription may actually read “Ð .И.С.К,” which translates to “risk” in English, potentially linking the man to Ukrainian heritage. Notably, a Ukrainian youth camp is located just 4km upstream from where his body was found.
Victoria Police have reached out to the Ukrainian embassy and the camp as part of their investigation. Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin expressed confidence that someone must have information that could aid in identifying the deceased, emphasising that he was a person with a family and those who cared for him.
While over five decades have passed since the discovery, Loughlin encourages anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward. The community’s collective efforts may finally shed light on a long-standing mystery that has left a family seeking closure since the early 1970s.