Victorian man Mark Tromp has been found alive after a five-day search in two states following an ill-fated family road trip.
Mark was found safe and well by police about 5.50pm in Wangaratta after being spotted by a passerby.
His son Mitchell has told reporters the he was "jumping for joy" over the news.
"It's such a relief, I'm just so happy," the 25-year-old told the Herald Sun.
"It's going to be the best Father's Day of my life."
Authorities had been searching for Mark Tromp since Tuesday, after the family was reported missing and police found their Silvan home unlocked and abandoned.
Mr Tromp and his wife Jacoba drove off to NSW with their three adult children, Riana, Mitchell and Ella, on Monday, leaving passports, credit cards and many of their mobile phones behind.
By Tuesday morning, Mitchell left the group near Bathurst and made his way to Melbourne via Sydney.
Then Riana and Ella left their parents at Jenolan caves and headed to Goulburn.
There, the two daughters split up; Riana was found "catatonic" hiding in the back of a local man's ute and Ella drove herself back to Melbourne.
Mrs Tromp was found on Thursday in Yass Hospital and has since been transferred to Goulburn Hospital where Riana is also being treated.
Police say both women are in a fragile mental state.
Mitchell told media on Thursday everyday pressures had got to the family and they just wanted to escape.
He said the trip descended into mounting trauma and distress.
"I've never seen anything like it - it's really hard to explain or put a word on it but they were just fearing for their lives and then they decided to flee," he said.
Before he was found on Saturday, the last confirmed sighting of Mr Tromp was about 10pm on Wednesday in Wangaratta.
He was seen running away from the car the family had been driving.
Readers seeking support and information about mental health issues can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
Share
