The search for missing magician Daniel Hidden has entered a new phase, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) set to deploy personnel to assist in the operation. The 26-year-old mentalist vanished on June 14 after leaving a Broadbeach address on the Gold Coast around 3am. His phone was switched off shortly after, and calls now go to voicemail.
Vehicle Found but No Trace of Hidden
Hidden's silver Hyundai Santa Fe and Galaxy caravan were found parked near Currumbin Creek Rd in Currumbin Valley on June 16, prompting a large-scale search centered on the rugged Mount Cougal area. Since Wednesday, police have been combing the remote terrain with support from the State Emergency Service, Queensland Fire Department, and Rural Fire Service volunteers. Drones and Polair aircraft have been used to scan the vast area, but no belongings, tracks, or evidence have been located.
Defence Force to Bolster Search Efforts
Acting Inspector Brett Jackson confirmed that additional assistance has been requested from the ADF. “Because of the terrain and the large area that needs to be traversed, we have been utilising aerial assets in Queensland including police, Polair and also drones,” he said. “There has been a request for additional assistance from the Australian Defence Force and we believe there’ll be Australian Defence Force members on site tomorrow (Tuesday) to continue the search.”
Police plan to continue the current search operation for at least another two days before reassessing their strategy. “At this stage (the search is) planned going through until Wednesday, at which time we’ll then reassess the strategies that we’re employing,” Jackson said.
Family Distraught as Search Continues
Hidden’s family has remained at the search site, deeply distressed by his disappearance. “We have the family out on scene and obviously they’re very distraught and our thoughts are with them and we’re doing everything we can to try to locate Hidden,” Jackson said. Despite intensive searching, no signs of Hidden have been found. “Unfortunately we haven’t located anything in the bushland during our search. We’re hoping to identify some sort of signs or trail, but it is very dense rainforest bushland and it does go over a large, very large area,” he added.
Circumstances of Disappearance Under Investigation
Police are still unclear whether Hidden intended a day hike or a longer stay. “The circumstances of his disappearance are being investigated in relation to the reasons for his presence there. Whether it was a day hike or a planned longer stay, that’s still subject of the investigation,” Jackson said. Authorities stressed there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances, treating the case as a search and rescue operation.
Scale of Search Reflects Hope of Survival
Over 100 officers are involved in the search, reflecting both the challenging terrain and the possibility that Hidden may still be alive. “The size of the search and the resources is because of the terrain and also the high likelihood of survival in that terrain. It is an area where there is availability of water, so our hopes are that we can find Hidden and that’s why we’re taking all necessary steps and using all available resources we can,” Jackson said.
About Daniel Hidden
Hidden is well known in southeast Queensland’s entertainment scene as a mentalist and deception artist, performing mind-reading and illusion shows across Australia’s east coast. His disappearance has sparked concern among friends and family, who describe it as out of character. He is described as about 180cm tall, with an average build, olive complexion, long black hair, a black beard, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon-coloured top and black cargo pants. Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink.
