Searchers made the devastating discovery of human remains during a river dive on Thursday, just 500 metres from where Mr Copeland, 22, was last seen in the early hours of July 10.

The events leading up to Mr Copeland's disappearance are subject to a critical incident investigation.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

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A coordinated three-day search was launched last Wednesday in the rugged Gwydir River area after Mr Copeland's family and friends pushed police for answers.

Multiple emergency service agencies joined the search, including police officers, police divers, rescue teams, mounted and dog squad units as well as firefighters, the State Emergency Service and the Marine Area Command.

Mr Copeland's body was discovered the following morning in the water near Yarraman.

The Gomeroi man's family had been searching for their father, son, nephew and cousin Mr Copeland almost every day for the past three months.

At the time the search launched last week, the family told ACM that even if he was no longer with them, they wanted to be able to give him a proper goodbye and lay him to rest.

Police allege a Toyota Corolla seen speeding along the Newell Highway was found bogged near the Yarraman bridge in the early hours of July 10.

Mr Copeland allegedly fled and entered the river when officers approached to speak to him, according to police.

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