“YOU CAN COME HOME” — FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING PLEA AS GRANDMOTHER, 73, WITH DEMENTIA VANISHES WITHOUT HER PHONE OR WALLET
A desperate search is underway for 73-year-old Janet Knight after she disappeared during an early-morning walk in Melbourne, Australia. Her family says several details surrounding her disappearance are completely out of character — and fears are growing as cold, wet weather threatens to make the search even more dangerous.
Janet was last seen walking along Hoffmans Road toward Keilor Road in Niddrie at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Earlier that morning, CCTV footage captured her leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive in Keilor East at around 6:57 a.m.
But after that sighting, Janet’s whereabouts became unknown.
SHE LEFT BEHIND THE ITEMS SHE NORMALLY TAKES EVERYWHERE
Her family was immediately concerned when they discovered that Janet had gone out without her mobile phone, wallet or Fitbit — belongings she would normally take with her when walking.
Her daughter, Nicole, said she last spoke to her mother on Saturday afternoon, around 4 or 5 p.m. Janet had seemed upbeat, and there was nothing to suggest that anything was wrong.
When Nicole later arrived at the family home and called out for her mother, there was no response. She eventually found Janet’s phone upstairs.
The family described her disappearance as “totally out of the ordinary” and deeply concerning.
Janet has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affects her ability to communicate. According to Nicole, her mother may know what she wants to say but struggle to find the words.
That difficulty could make it harder for Janet to explain her situation or ask a stranger for help.
POLICE FEAR FOR HER SAFETY IN THE COLD, WET WEATHER
Janet is an experienced walker who knows the local area well. One of her favourite routes is the Steele Creek Trail toward Maribyrnong.
But police are particularly worried about nearby waterways and walking tracks that may have flooded after heavy rain.
Victoria Police Inspector Bonnie Heazlewood said investigators were concerned about the river and the possibility of flooding along some tracks.
With Janet missing overnight in cold, wet and windy conditions, her family is desperately hoping someone may have seen her or noticed something unusual.
A DAUGHTER’S HEARTBREAKING MESSAGE
As the search continues, Nicole has made an emotional appeal directly to her missing mother.
“We love you,” she said.
“You can come home.”
She urged Janet to reach out to anyone she encountered and tell them she needed help, reminding her that her children, grandchildren and wider family were waiting for her.
It is a painful message from a family left waiting, not knowing where their loved one is or whether she is safe.
COULD YOU HAVE SEEN JANET?
Janet is described as approximately 170 centimetres (5 feet 7 inches) tall, with a slim build and short strawberry-blonde hair.
She was last seen wearing:
- A black hooded jacket
- Black pants
- A light-blue beanie
She was also carrying a plastic bag.
Police are urging residents in Keilor East, Niddrie and surrounding areas to check CCTV and dashcam footage that might help establish where Janet went after her last confirmed sighting.
Anyone who sees Janet should call Triple Zero (000). Anyone with information can contact Sunshine Police Station on (03) 9313 3333.
Every sighting could be important.
For Janet’s family, this is more than a missing-person search. It is a desperate wait for a mother and grandmother they love, with one simple hope: that she will be found safe and brought home. 🤍
