Ex-Canberra man's body found in 'mummified' state in Gold Coast home

Queensland Police are investigating the death of 69-year-old Tomislav Nemes. Photo: Queensland Police.

The body of a former Canberra resident was found in a “mummified” state in his Gold Coast home, where his wife and stepson had been continuing to live.

Queensland Police are investigating the death of 69-year-old Tomislav Nemes, who was originally from the ACT and moved to the northern state in 2018.

Officers conducted a welfare check at the home on Edinburgh Road in Benowa on 17 April at the request of his interstate relatives, where they discovered his remains.

Police said while examinations to determine his cause of death were ongoing, it is being treated as suspicious. Initial enquiries indicated he may have been dead at the home for more than 12 months.

“The body was in an advanced state of decomposition,” Acting Detective Inspector Mark Proctor said on Tuesday (15 August).

“It did have a mummified look to it.”

Tomislav Nemes was originally from the ACT. Photo: Queensland Police.

He said Mr Nemes’ wife and stepson had continued to live at the property during the 12 months and he described them as “persons of interest” as they had been inside the house at the time.

“We’re not looking to lay charges at this point in time, but we are fully investigating,” he said.

“We are appealing to any of his friends, family or associates from both the ACT and Queensland who have been in contact with Mr Nemes in recent years to come forward.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form or call 131 444. You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online. Reference number: QP2300641468.