Authorities in Victoria are currently conducting a search for Samantha Murphy, a 51-year-old mother of three from Ballarat East, who disappeared on Sunday morning during her routine run. Murphy was last seen departing from her Eureka Street residence around 7 a.m. to jog in the Canadian State Forest.
The sudden disappearance of Murphy has raised concerns among her family and the police, especially considering the high temperatures recorded on Sunday. The unusual circumstances surrounding her disappearance have further heightened the urgency of the search. Acting Inspector Lisa McDougall expressed that the heat could potentially impact Murphy’s health, thereby increasing the risk factor in her disappearance.
Murphy, a regular runner, is well-acquainted with the Canadian State Forest and its surrounding areas. Despite the forest’s proximity to urban areas and its location on the outskirts of Ballarat, the search operation has not been straightforward. The authorities, including the State Emergency Service (SES), initiated a search in the forest area behind the Buninyong Golf Club on Monday.
According to McDougall, data from Murphy’s phone, which she had with her during her run, indicated her last known location near the golf course. Murphy is described as a Caucasian woman, approximately 5’8″ tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair. She was last seen in black half-length leggings and a maroon/brown singlet.
The Victoria Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating Murphy. They are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. The search continues, with the hope of finding Murphy safe and returning her to her worried family.