Family fear foul play after father's body found in Sydney creek

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 02:42, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 02:44, 16 August 2026 A grieving family have said they fear foul play after a father was found dead in a Sydney creek.  NSW Police issued a plea to the public for help in locating Hemi Stewart, 44, on Thursday after he was reported missing.  The father-of-one was last seen on Stoke Street in Schofields at 6am on August 3, police said.  During a search of bushland near Torry Burn Reserve in Baulkham Hills on Friday morning, officers discovered Mr Stewart's body face down in a creek.  His family was left heartbroken by the loss, according to NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Michelle Mathieson.  'They are devastated, absolutely devastated at the death of their loved one,' she said. Mr Stewart's family, who are based in Australia and New Zealand, told 9News they strongly suspect foul play might have been a factor in his death. 'It's a horrible feeling, nobody will understand, you know, losing a loved one so young,' Mr Stewart's aunt Wikitoria Roberts added on Saturday. Hemi Stewart was found dead in a Sydney creek on Friday morning He had been reported missing after he was last seen on August 3 Detectives from Strike Force Lanrik are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and whether it was suspicious 'It is what it is, but it's just not nice, not nice at all.' Detectives from Strike Force Lanrik are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and whether it was suspicious.  Part of the team's inquiries will focus on Mr Stewart's past, including time in jail and a home invasion last month.  'I'm not sure if that's relevant to his passing but it could be,' Ms Mathieson said. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted in coming days to determine his cause of death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.  Detectives are now appealing for anyone with information relevant to the investigation to call Castle Hill Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.