Mystery of my missing father

After 12 years, son just wants answers

THE case of a missing 69year-old Sheffield father and grandfather has left his family confused and searching for answers for more than a decade.

An active member of his community, Nicola Sallese disappeared after last being seen driving on the North West Coast town’s main street on November 17, 2008.

He would be turning 81 in October. But almost 12 years on, there has been no trace of him or the car he was driving.

But the family believes a reported sighting on that same day in Southport, some 400km away by road, could hold the key to finally solving the mystery.

Youngest son Jason Sallese said a tourist had reported seeing his father in the Southport area. “The tourist a couple of nights later saw a piece on the TV that this man was missing and he was adamant that was the same man he talked to,’’ he said.

“Probably six months after the reported sighting, a helicopter search was done and I’ve been down there numerous times searching myself.”

Jason Sallese said his father’s disappearance had come just before his eldest daughter’s first birthday, which was to take place in the state’s south.

“He had early onset dementia so we don’t know if that affected him and he decided he wanted to come down, but it’s just a lot of guesswork from us,’’ Jason Sallese said.

In 2012, a coroner ruled Nicola Sallese was missing and presumed dead despite his body and vehicle never being found.

But for the family, many questions remain. And, despite no new leads in recent years, Jason Sallese is determined to not give up the fight to finally provide answers for the family.

Each year, he makes media appearances for National Missing Persons Week and regularly updates a Facebook page dedicated to his father’s disappearance.

“It is a busy time of year and it brings back certain emotions and a bit of frustration because we haven’t found Dad,’’ he said.

“It’s a good time of year because a lot of people are reaching out to help, but it does take a toll.

“There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think about it.”