Wildlife photographer Matthew Dwyer found dead in WA

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The Australian photographic community is in mourning following the passing of wildlife and news photographer Matthew Dwyer, after the discovery of his body at the base of one of Western Australia’s highest peaks on Friday.

Friends of Dwyer, 51, had become concerned for his welfare after he failed to return from a trip to Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges on Wednesday last week. 

The body of acclaimed photographer Matthew Dwyer was discovered on Friday. Image: Instagram
The body of acclaimed photographer Matthew Dwyer was discovered on Friday. Image: Instagram

According to the ABC, a widescale search involving the State Emergency Services, police helicopter and drone and Search and Rescue Jet began overnight Thursday and into Friday, before his body was discovered at lunchtime Friday at the base of the main bluff in the Stirling Ranges National Park.

Dwyer was known for his images of animals and birds, including native animals such as the Quokka.

Speaking to the ABC, WA Acting Superintendent Alex Ryan said a coronial investigation would be conducted into the circumstances of his death.

"Obviously it's not the outcome that we were hoping for, but nonetheless it's still an outcome that brings closure to the family, and it certainly provides that certainty to them," he said.

Former colleagues, including journalist David Bell from the Fremantle Herald, said he was a kind and gentle soul.

"Definitely a fantastic photographer of humans and animals, as good as he was with a camera he was even better with people," Bell said.

"He'd come along to meetings where I'd interview people and he was there to take the photos but sometimes he'd come up with better questions than I would.”

Dwyer is survived by three children.

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