Tragedy as missing influencer found dead in the Whitsundays weeks after sudden disappearance

A graphic design influencer has tragically been found dead, four weeks after he disappeared in Queensland’s Whitsundays region.

Joel Pringle, 40, was last seen at an address in Waite Creek Court, Cannonvale, at around 4.30pm on Monday, August 19.

His disappearance sparked a massive search, with local volunteers helping his family and authorities comb the Conway National Park area where his phone was last found.

His partner Eve Houghton announced on Wednesday that their search has unfortunately come to an end.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late last night. Sadly, he has passed away,” she wrote in a Facebook group dedicated to the search.

‘We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who helped in the search for Joel: family, friends and the many people who came from far and wide to help.

‘We are extremely grateful to the police, water police, SES and local businesses who put up flyers and posters.

“To everyone who has offered their support and kindness, your love and care will be forever cherished by Joel’s family and close friends.”

Joel Pringle pictured with his partner Eve Houghton

Joel was an Instagram influencer who ran an eponymous logo design company, selling iconic cartoon-style sketches.

His logos are used by companies all over the world. Some of his big clients are Foot Locker, The Mad Hueys, KFC and Pringles.

Originally from Melbourne, Pringle moved to the Whitsundays with his family in 2019 to live on a yacht. He shares his journey online with over 44,000 followers.

In recent years, he has used his platform to promote the benefits of living as a digital nomad, teaching others how to start their own businesses.

Photos posted online show Pringle, his partner and their two young sons enjoying life in the pristine waters and lush wilderness of tropical north Queensland.

In recent months, he’s shared interesting new personal and professional projects, including plans to build a house on land the couple bought in the Whitsundays Hinterland.

In January, he shared a post of him next to his yellow Porsche, captioned: ‘POV [point of view] “You made it.”

“Keep going! Anything is possible!” he wrote.

The graphic designer has over 44,000 followers on Instagram, where he shared his idyllic digital nomad life

The photo shows designs he made for the beer company Cronulla Beer

‘2016 was hard, 2020-22 was hard, now I’ve been diagnosed with autoimmunity. But it’s all good baby baby! Still we’re rising!!

“More than ever, I’m sure that my purpose here is to help people rise up, no matter what’s thrown at them or at me. I want you to be able to watch me struggle, but still win.”

Two months later, he warned his followers to beware of the “silent killer”: someone who lets their dreams slip away.

“It’s those little things that you tell yourself you’re okay with, but you feel in your body that you’re not,” he wrote.

‘Those little things that make you look back on the past ten to twenty years with regret and worry, because you never reached your full potential.

‘Those little things that slowly fan the fire inside you.

“Don’t fall into that trap. Don’t let anything stand in your way! Go get it!”

He disappeared four weeks ago along with his white Holden Crewman pick-up truck with a metal tray (pictured)

In his last post on Instagram, just days before he disappeared, Pringle beamed with joy as he told his followers he had just completed an early morning session at the gym.

‘Good morning everyone! It’s bright and early this morning, I think it’s five degrees baby – I think it’s five degrees!

“This is the first time I’ve been in a five in about a year! Like a whole year. That’s awesome. Woo!”

‘Gym work out done! Breakfast is about to be cooked. Your logos are about to be cooked too.’

Concerned relatives raised the alarm after the father disappeared last month along with his white Holden Crewman pick-up.

He celebrated his 40th birthday on August 14, just five days before he disappeared.

The death is not considered suspicious.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.