Australian authorities are intensifying their search for a missing magician who vanished without a trace, as family members grow increasingly desperate for answers about his unexplained disappearance.
The search for Daniel Hidden
Daniel Hidden, 26, was last seen around 3 a.m. on June 14, driving his silver Hyundai Santa Fe away from a residence on Chelsea Avenue in Broadbeach, Australia. Two days later, police discovered the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot near a well-known hiking area in Currumbin Valley, prompting a large-scale search operation in Queensland.
“Police and Daniel’s family hold serious concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character,” police said in a statement.
Search crews have since expanded efforts across the rugged terrain, with assistance from the Australian Defense Force and aerial surveillance teams.
“ADF members will be on-site to continue the search,” Gold Coast Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Jackson told local news outlet 7NEWS. “Because of the terrain and the large area that needs to be traversed, we have been utilizing aerial assets, including [police aviation units] and drones.”
‘High likelihood’ of survival
Jackson said Hidden’s relatives joined authorities during search efforts.
“They’re very distraught and our thoughts are with them and we’re doing everything we can to try and locate Mr. Hidden,” Jackson said, adding there’s a “high likelihood” of survival due to available water sources in the remote area.
Investigators say the circumstances surrounding Hidden’s disappearance remain unclear, though foul play is not suspected. Queensland Fire and Rescue officials have also joined the operation.
Family remains hopeful
Hidden’s brother, Jamshidi, said the hiking area where the car was found carries deep personal meaning.
“He’s taken me to this place as well,” Jamshidi told 7NEWS of Hidden. “This is one of his favorites. He’s got the coordinates of a spot in this place tattooed on his fingers, so it means a lot to him.”
Jamshidi described Hidden as an experienced hiker drawn to difficult routes. “He doesn’t like sticking to marked tracks,” he said. “He desires the hardship in unexplored places.”
As the search continues, Hidden’s mother remains hopeful.
“He is my son and he is very strong,” she said. “You don’t know how he is capable of doing anything. I believe in him, but now it’s more than eight days passed. We need to find him, he needs help. But he’s alive and people can come and help to find him before something happens.”