By Peter Douglas
SILVAN berry farmer Mark Tromp has issued a media statement apologising over his bizarre disappearance.
The Tromp family ordeal last week gained national attention, with Mark, 51, the last member located after the family fled their Silvan home on Monday 29 August.
Mark was found wandering alone near Wangaratta airport about 5.50pm last Saturday, 3 September.
In his statement, Mr Tromp was keen to apologise to immediate family and those caught up in the ordeal.
“In recent days my family has been through a difficult period,” the statement read.
“We will soon be reunited and together, I hope that we will begin to make sense of our ordeal and return to a normal life.
“I am conscious of the burden these events have placed upon our extended family, friends and the community resources devoted to our aid.
“Without reservation, I apologise for the hurt and concern caused by these events.”
Mark and his wife, Jacoba, fled their home with their adult children Riana, 29, Mitchell, 25, and Ella, 22, with early reports suggesting they were enjoying a family holiday in the Central Tablelands area.
However, the children gradually separated from their parents on the trip.
Mitchell and Ella made their way back to Melbourne and reported their parents missing.
Riana was eventually found in the back seat of a stranger’s car and later admitted to hospital, while mother Jacoba admitted herself to Yass Hospital.
In a further twist, on Monday 5 September, police charged Ella with a theft of a motor vehicle and possessing the proceeds of crime.
It is alleged the car was stolen in Goulburn NSW and driven to Victoria after Ella ended the journey with her parents.
In the statement, Mr Tromp expressed his thanks to those investigating the disappearance.
“On behalf of our family, I express our deep gratitude to Victoria and NSW police, as well as health care professionals who have looked after our physical and mental well-being,” he said.
“More than anything, my family and I need time to recover and receive appropriate assistance, including mental health services.”
Mr Tromp also requested the media respect their request for privacy as they work through the ordeal.
