Found dead ... Benjamin Roper. Photo: NSW Police Media Unit
The body of missing Virgin flight steward Benjamin Roper has been found in the basement of his Randwick apartment block five days after he was last seen alive.
Police said the discovery of the 32-year-old on Thursday afternoon followed an extensive search. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.
Grave fears had been held for Mr Roper who was last seen by family when he left his Prince Street apartment about 7pm on January 26 without taking his mobile phone, car or other belongings.
His mother, Michele Pippen, flew to Australia from her home in Malaysia on Tuesday to help search for her son.
His disappearance, and an appeal to help find him, was spread quickly through a social media campaign that included comedian Julia Morris, who described Mr Roper as a family friend.
Professional ironwoman Candice Falzon also tweeted a photograph of Ben with the message: "Please retweet in the hope of finding Ben. He has been missing since Saturday. Thanks."
Ms Pippen had said she hoped that her son had taken himself away for some time alone, although he had never previously done that.
Ms Pippen said her son, who was openly gay, also had received a lot of support from the gay community in the search to find him.
In recent times, Ms Pippen said her son had reported receiving some taunting text messages from an unknown person. Mr Roper's sister Rachel is flying back to Australia from Spain, where she has been working.
Earlier this week, Detective Inspector Rohan Cramsie, from the Eastern Beaches local area command, said there had been no trace of Mr Roper since he left his home, which he grew up in, on Australia Day.
"He has really just disappeared off the face of the earth, so it makes it very hard to narrow down a particular area to search for him," he said.
Police and Mr Roper's family said they wanted to thank the public for their assistance..
* Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by calling Lifeline 131 114, Mensline 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
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