In a tragic conclusion to a mystery that has lingered for nearly two years, a coroner has confirmed that former 2GB radio host and fishing enthusiast Roman Butchaski was killed by a crocodile while fishing in the remote waters of far North Queensland. Butchaski, aged 76 at the time of his disappearance, vanished on November 12, 2023, while fishing along the crocodile-infested banks of the Olive River, located 600 kilometers north of Cairns at the tip of Cape York.
The coroner’s ruling, delivered on July 30, brings a somber end to the search for Butchaski, whose vehicle and personal belongings were found, but not his body. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of a rescue helicopter, no trace of the experienced fisherman was discovered. Coroner Christine Roney described Butchaski as a ‘happy-go-lucky type of bloke and happiest when he was fishing’.
The Investigation and Coroner’s Findings
Coroner Roney’s investigation revealed that Butchaski was well-acquainted with the fishing territories of North Queensland, though he was unfamiliar with the Olive River area. On November 9, 2023, Butchaski visited friends at Bramwell Station and would travel each morning to Olive Crossing to fish. On the morning of November 12, he left Bramwell Station at 8 a.m. and was never seen again.
Roney’s findings were based on the absence of any signs of Butchaski during the extensive search efforts. She noted that the Department of Environment and Science had observed two crocodiles in the vicinity where Butchaski was last known to be fishing. One crocodile was estimated to be between 2.5 to 3 meters in length and was sighted approximately 15 meters from Butchaski’s last known position.
‘The fact that no sign of (Butchaski) was located during the extensive and thorough search leads me to suspect (he) has entered the water and has been consumed by a crocodile,’ said Coroner Roney.
Possible Scenarios and Expert Opinions
Coroner Roney outlined three potential scenarios that could have led to Butchaski entering the water: being attacked by a saltwater crocodile, losing balance while fishing, or experiencing a medical episode due to his age and health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The extreme temperatures at the time may have also played a role.
‘Once in the water I believe (Butchaski) has been taken and killed, and likely consumed, by a large saltwater crocodile inhabiting the upper reaches of the Olive River,’ Roney concluded.
While the Department of Environment and Science could not confirm a crocodile displaying signs of having taken a human, the presence of large crocodiles in the area made it a highly probable scenario. The Olive River is known for its crocodile-infested estuarine wetlands, which stretch across 43 square kilometers before meeting the Coral Sea at Temple Bay.
Community Reaction and Historical Context
The news of Butchaski’s fate has resonated deeply within the community and among his colleagues at 2GB. In November 2023, 2GB radio host Ben Fordham expressed the station’s condolences, stating, ‘Obviously, we’re thinking of everyone who knew and Butch and we’re hoping that he is out there somewhere’.
Butchaski’s disappearance and the subsequent coroner’s ruling highlight the dangers posed by crocodiles in Australia’s northern regions. Crocodile attacks, while rare, have historically been a concern in these remote areas, prompting ongoing discussions about safety measures and wildlife management.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the inherent risks faced by those who venture into it. The coroner’s recommendation that Butchaski be considered deceased due to a crocodile attack brings closure to his family and friends, though the mystery of his final moments remains.
