A HUMAN head, believed to belong to a missing snorkeler, has washed up on a beach in Western Australia.
The discovery comes as part of the ongoing search for Wen “Walter” Ren Gu, who vanished at Ledge Point Beach several days ago.
The beach is a popular recreation spot about 120km north of Perth.
Authorities said they were alerted on Tuesday after horrifying remains were found on Fence Reef Beach.
“Formal identification is yet to be completed but it is believed to be a 32-year-old man who went missing on January 1, 2026,” a police spokesperson said.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
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Gu was last seen snorkelling off the coast of the small town on New Year’s Day.
When he failed to return, a search operation immediately got underway.
Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels, jet-skis, police Airwing officers, and divers all took part in the effort.
Gu and his friends had travelled from the city that morning to snorkel for crayfish.
The discovery is a tragic blow for family and friends, who had held out hope that he might be found alive.
This is the latest individual to lose their life on Australia’s unforgiving coastline.
On New Year’s Eve, 35-year-old Sean Keaney died at Whitehaven Beach.
Police and emergency services were called after Keaney was found unresponsive in the water that morning.
The exact cause of death is unknown, but a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Earlier in December, a 17-year-old girl tragically fell to her death on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The teenage girl fell approximately 30 metres while attempting to take a photo at Moffat Beach, having climbed over a safety fence.
Police were called to the scene at 6:40 PM.
Despite the desperate efforts of witnesses, including off-duty medical professionals, the girl died at the scene from severe head injuries.
The teen had been with friends watching the sunset when they moved to a different vantage point.
As she tried to climb back up the embankment, she slipped and fell.
“[She] slipped and fell 30 metres onto the rocks below,” said Detective Peter Hocken of Queensland Police.
The incident was particularly distressing for those present, who did everything they could to help.
“They located the young lady and provided as much assistance as they could,” Hocken said.
“Unfortunately, she passed away on scene due to the severity of her injuries.”