Missing links: A descriptive study of behaviors of missing people who die by suicide whilst absent

More than 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death among missing persons, however relationship between disappearance and suicidal crisis remains poorly understood. A case record analysis was conducted using National Coronial Information System data on New South Wales missing person cases from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2024. Data was extracted from closed cases using police narratives, coronial findings, autopsy and toxicology reports. Demographic details, mental health history, previous suicide attempts, engagement with mental health services, and interventions while missing were extracted to examine the relationship between missing and suicide. The initial search located 183 eligible cases. Demographic details, health information, and situational factors were analyzed and described to better understand behaviors prior to the suicide. The findings suggest an opportunity for a trauma-informed intervention to occur in the period between disappearing and death to reduce likelihood of death.