Man dies while searching for missing police dog
A man has died during an informal search for Queensland’s missing police dog Quizz, who was separated from his handler during a pursuit last week.
Emergency services were called to a quarry site in Redbank Plains in southwest Queensland, at around 7pm on Thursday night.
The 61-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe he suffered a medical episode, and it is understood that he was searching for the missing police dog.
“While the Queensland Police Service understands there are still members of our community conducting their own searches for our PD Quizz and we are grateful for the continued efforts, your safety and the safety of those around you is of paramount importance to us,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“We urge the community to reconsider navigating the areas within the previous searches as they can be potentially dangerous and physically demanding.”
The local community has been searching for the sable German Shepherd since his disappearance on January 11.
Quizz was separated from his handler, Senior Constable Den McGreevy, while attempting to track a teen who had fled with a stolen car.
However, search efforts were scaled back after over 1,000 people searched for the dog for six days.
“My family and I are deeply appreciative of everyone who has given their time to help find our best friend,” Senior Constable McGreevy said in a statement.
“He is much loved and deeply missed. We are heartbroken and miss him every moment he’s not with us.”
Police will continue to search for Quizz at a reduced capacity and hope members of the public will continue to keep an eye out for the dog.
Image: Queensland Police Service (Facebook)