Natasha Ryan Rockhampton Obituary : Natasha Ryan Death : Natasha Ryan, former teen runaway whose 1998 disappearance sparked years-long search, found dead in Rockhampton

Natasha Ryan, who was at the centre of one of Australia's most notable missing persons cases, has been found dead by police in Rockhampton, in central Queensland.

Ms. Ryan gained notoriety when she went missing as a teenager in August 1998. At the time, police believed she'd become a victim of local serial killer Leonard John Fraser, who was subsequently charged with her murder. 

Her case took a dramatic turn in 2003 when, during Fraser's murder trial, police received a tip that she was still alive. Acting on this information, police raided an address and discovered Ms. 

Ryan alive and well, living with her adult boyfriend and hiding in a cupboard. This revelation made international headlines.

This morning, acting on a welfare call, police discovered Ms. Ryan's body at Rockhampton Golf Club at around 8am. The 40-year-old's death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.