Body found under tree in Pilbara

March 22, 2006
A BODY believed to be that of a missing mother has been found under a tree on a remote Pilbara track about 4km from her bogged ute.

Two men travelling with her were rescued on Sunday after a series of misadventures.
Tracey Fraser, 36, and her two companions Richard Neil, 45, and Nicolas Apse, 19, failed to arrive as expected at a goldmine 765km north of Perth last Thursday.

The trio left Perth on Tuesday for the Fortnum Gold Mine, north of Meekatharra, where Mr Neil was working as a sub-contractor.

After missing the turn off, they drove too far and became bogged on Wednesday. Mr Neil and Mr Apse then left Ms Fraser near the car while they went for help. Unsuccessful, they returned to the car three days later. But there was no sign of Ms Fraser, just a note saying she was leaving on Thursday to walk back to the main road to seek help.

The men managed to unbog the ute and drove it back to the main road before getting bogged again. They then became lost looking for water.

The two men were released from hospital yesterday after being treated for sunburn, exposure and shock.
Sgt Rose Scarvaci said the trio's tragic ordeal was compounded by a lack of preparation.

"We can't stress enough that if you do become stranded to stay with the vehicle," she said.

"It is the safest thing."

The woman's body has not yet been formally identified, but the missing woman's next of kin have been notified.