Ground search for missing mother Tanja Ebert called off as family hope to find her 'alive and well'

The ground search for mother-of-two Tanja Ebert, missing after she reportedly had a row with her late husband Michael Burdon, has been called off as the family said they hope to find her “alive and well”. 

Police are continuing their investigation after major crime detectives spent three days searching wells and old mine sites at a remote South Australian sheep station for the suspected murder victim.

In a statement read by South Australia police, the family who travelled to the state from Germany, said they grieve for Michael Burdon and his family.

"It's very hard not knowing what happened to Tanja, we do not feel hopeless. It is our hope to find Tanja alive and well,” the family said.

Mounted police joined officers at the 410 square kilometre sheep station near Mannahill, northeast of Adelaide today to look for the 23-year-old mother-of-two's remains.

Ms Ebert disappeared earlier this month and her husband, Michael Burdon, killed himself at the property on August 16 while police were there.

“We also grieve for Michael Burdon, his family are in our thoughts and our hearts. We are devastated for them. We knew Michael as a wonderful father, a good friend and a sociable person.

“We worry about Tanja's and Michael's two young sons who are true victims of this tragedy, their wellbeing is our utmost priority. With Michael's family, we share in their future.”

The 41-year-old remains the only suspect in Ms Ebert's likely murder. His funeral was held this morning.

His family said the couple's two young sons were their "primary focus".

“Michael’s sudden and shocking death has devastated our family,” the Burdon family today said in a statement.

“We loved Michael very much, and our primary focus is now the care and support of his two young boys.

“We are still trying to come to terms with the tragic events of the past three weeks.”

Police called off the three-day search this evening, with the investigation now moving to Adelaide where detectives will review drone footage taken of the Mannahill property in recent weeks.
 
Police believe if Ms Esbert is buried at the property, it is likely her body will be found near the family home.

The last independent sighting of Ms Ebert came on August 8 when she visited the SA Museum in Adelaide with her husband and sons.

As the family drove back to Mannahill, Mr Burdon told police she became agitated and got out of the car near Roseworthy, north of the city, and walked off.

But he did not report her missing. Another family member contacted authorities two days later.

Ms Ebert arrived in Australia from Germany several years ago and married Mr Burdon in February.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

With AAP.