'Every family is different': Mystery surrounds why family of dead Sydney man didn't report him missing weeks ago

Mystery still surrounds the death of a married father-of-four, found dead in mangroves at the edge of a river in Sydney’s west, after it emerged his family had not reported him missing when he disappeared weeks ago.

Two fishermen initially stumbled across the body of Michael Gavanas on Saturday after they wandered down to the edge of the Parramatta River at Melrose Park.

Initially the pair clapped and tried to wake Mr Gavanas, thinking he was asleep – but they soon made the grisly discovery and called police.

A post-mortem examination carried out the next day failed to determine how the 50-year-old had died or when.

The married father-of-three was last seen by his family on July 1, although he was not reported missing.

The Homicide Squad and local officers spent the weekend searching for clues and trying to piece together Mr Gavanas’ final movements.

Police said they are not ruling out any possibilities.

“It’s not clear, as to the cause of death,” Ryde Local Area Command’s Superintendent John Duncan said.

“We’re looking at all possibilities of inquiry, obviously … there’s a tide (in the water), so we’re keeping our options open.”

Mr Gavanas was known to police and had alleged criminal links, with his wife Dee calling him “Mickey Blue Eyes”.

When asked if it was suspicious that Mr Gavanas’ family had not reported him missing, Supt Duncan responded: “Every family is different”.

Today, the dead man’s daughter took to Facebook to express her grief.

“RIP Dad. You were my partner in crime and best friend,” she posted.

Detectives today released photos and a description of the dead man in the hope it will jog someone’s memory.

He was about 180cm tall with a heavy build and short, grey hair.

He was wearing a polar-fleece jumper, a navy-coloured high-visibility vest, a maroon shirt, navy trousers and Asics shoes.

Anyone with any information about the death should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.