By Robyn Wuth of Gold Coast News
COLOURFUL Gold Coast businessman Bob Purdy -- a towie known as "Cobra Bob" -- was shot dead in Papua New Guinea at the weekend.The former Ashmore businessman, who famously repossessed everything from cruise ships to skyscrapers, was shot in what was believed to be a botched robbery in the dangerous Mt Hagen area.
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| 'Cobra Bob' Purdy in a file photo from 1991 |
It is understood Mr Purdy died instantly.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of a 62-year-old man in Papua New Guinea.
Friends yesterday confirmed Mr Purdy's death but declined to comment.
Mr Purdy was well known on the Gold Coast and operated a towing business, Cobra Towing, for more than 20 years.
His other enterprises included an "equipment" import-export business which targeted small countries with troubled economies, car yards, a repossession business and experimentation with the manufacturing of table tops from broken glass.
Mr Purdy had been working in construction in the Mt Hagen area.
Numerous travel warnings have been issued for the area due to the high level of serious crime.
Local authorities warned of a "heightened risk" of armed robbery and attack.
Mr Purdy's body is expected to be returned to the Gold Coast for the funeral which has not yet been arranged.
My condolences to Bill’s family and friends. As another Australian businessman living and working safely in PNG for the past 15 years, I assure one and all that this is an isolated incident perpetrated by animals possibly recently escaped from jails – there have been a couple of breakouts recently. Ordinary Papua New Guineans are friendly peace loving people and many are also horrified by this cowardly act.
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