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Gus Lamont's parents make tragic plea on one-year anniversary of 4-year-old son going missing
Gus Lamont's parents have made a heartbreaking plea ahead of the one-year anniversary of their four-year-old son going missing.
As previously reported, the young child, from South Australia, was last seen playing on his family's sheep station, Oak Park Station, which is near Yunta, at 5PM on September 27, 2025.
Half an hour later, when his family went to check up on him, he was gone.
The disappearance launched one of the largest search operations of its kind in the state as police, volunteers, emergency services, defence personnel, search dogs, divers, aircraft, and Aboriginal trackers all joined to scour the 300km inland of Adelaide.
Unfortunately, the large-scale searches have found no trace of the toddler.
No one has been charged over the toddler's disappearance. However, one of Lamont's grandparents is a suspect in the case.
"As you're aware, I've previously stated one of the grandparents is a suspect in our investigation," Major Crime Investigation Branch Officer in Charge Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said at a recent press conference. "That has not changed, but I'm not going today to make any more comment or elaborate any further about the suspect in this investigation."
On Wednesday (September 23), police announced a reward of $1 million for any information on the four-year-old's whereabouts that would result in his body being discovered or a criminal conviction.
Fielke described the reward as an important step in the investigation.
"I would urge anyone with information that may help locate Gus or assist in the investigation into what happened to him to come forward," he said. "$1 million is a life-changing amount of money for anyone who can assist in this investigation.
"Rewards such as this have been successful in assisting police in major investigations," he added.
Lamont's parents desperate plea
The missing boy’s parents, Josh and Jess, have issued an emotional appeal as the one-year anniversary of their son’s disappearance approaches.
Their pre-recorded video was posted by the police on Wednesday, at the same time as a reward of $1 million was announced.
"The disappearance of our son Gus has been the most devastating and inexplicable event we have ever experienced. We love him more than words can convey, and every single day without him has been incredibly difficult," the mom said. "Our heartache only grows as time passes, and an entire year without any answers is upon us."
The grief-stricken parents said they shared memories with their "beautiful, sweet, and unique little boy who loved music, listening to stories, and playing in the natural world.
"Gus was growing up in an amazing environment, one that I cherished as my childhood home. He was learning so much and had such a bright future ahead of him, but all of this has now been taken away from him."
The father said the family is desperate "to have him return home to us, and we are desperate for answers.
"We believe that someone knows something. Someone knows what happened to Gus and may even know where he is," he added, tearfully.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has said the case has deeply saddened all South Australians.
"I cannot imagine the anguish that Gus’s parents, Jess and Josh, are going through, and my thoughts remain with them," Malinauskas said. "The State Government is doing everything it can to support the police investigation. That’s why we are offering a $1 million reward to help solve this case.
"Someone must know something, and I urge anyone with information to come forward," he added.