A month-long search for a successful Australian designer has ended in tragedy.

The body of popular social media influencer Joel Pringle has been found after an extensive four-week search in the Whitsundays region. 

Joel Pringle, 40, who had lived in the Whitsundays with his fiancé and two sons, went missing on Monday, August 19 about 4.30pm.

His disappearance from a residence on Waite Creek Crt, Cannonvale quickly triggered a community wide search, with police, water police, CQ rescue, SES, and local volunteers all joining forces to help locate the missing man.

On August 23, police reported the only hint of Pringle's whereabouts was a signal from his phone in the Conway Nation Park and Mount Julian area. 

At the time, police said they believed the young influencer still had his 2007 white Holden Crewman ute with him. 

On Wednesday evening, Pringle's partner, Eve Houghton, shared the heartbreaking update that his body had been found. 

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately he has passed,” Ms Houghton shared on a Facebook page created to help find her fiancé.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel – family, friends, and the many people who traveled from far and wide to help.  We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

“To everyone who offered their support and kindness - your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends.

“As our search has come to an end, we will be closing this Facebook page. We kindly ask for your understanding and respect as Joel’s family and friends take time to grieve.”

A Talented Designer and Adventurous Soul

The young father, who founded his own graphic design company, Joel Pringle Logo Designs, in 2010, was born in Wales but moved to Australia as a baby.

In 2021, he opened up about his journey on the entrepreneurial blog Founderoo, describing being a business founder as “a tool to power an amazing life.”

Known for his talent as a designer and his adventurous lifestyle living on a yacht and then buying his family home in the Whitsundays, Pringle quickly built a large social media following, with over 44,000 followers.

In his final Instagram Story before his disappearance, Joel shared a post of himself at the gym.

A Tragic Loss for the Community

Queensland Police have confirmed they are treating his death as non-suspicious and are preparing a report for the Coroner.

“The media and the public are thanked for their assistance,” the police said.

The community is in mourning after the body of Whitsundays influencer and father-of-two Joel Pringle was found after a month-long search. 

A Massive Search Effort

A lengthy search for a missing Queensland dad has come to a devastating end after his body was discovered. Joel Pringle, an Instagram influencer and logo designer who lived in the Whitsundays with his partner Eve Houghton and their two children, vanished a month ago.

He was last seen in Cannonvale, just north of Airlie Beach, around 4.30pm on August 19. Speaking to 7News last month, Houghton said she became concerned when she didn't hear from Pringle that night or the following day when she tried to organise plans for his upcoming 40th birthday.

Police and worried family, friends and locals launched a huge search effort soon after, focusing on the Conway National Park where detectives said the dad’s phone was last detected the morning after his disappearance.

Despite their best efforts, his body was found late on Tuesday, a heartbroken Houghton announced on a Facebook page created to help find her partner.

Heartfelt Tributes Pour In

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately he has passed,” she wrote.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel — family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help. We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.

“To everyone who offered their support and kindness — your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends,” she continued, asking for “understanding and respect” as they grieve.

Queensland Police confirmed Pringle’s body has been located and described his death as non-suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Numerous people have posted tributes on Pringle’s Instagram page following the news of his death. The 40-year-old frequently posted image of his logos and videos about the perks of starting his own business and being a digital nomad.

Earlier this year he revealed he and Houghton had just purchased their “dream” six-acre block in the Whitsundays.

Remembering Joel Pringle

Joel Pringle's life, tragically cut short, will be remembered by his loving family, friends, and the many people who were touched by his kindness and creativity. His contributions to the design community and his adventurous spirit will be deeply missed.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800