Olivia Newton-John's missing ex-lover resurfaces

Olivia Newton-John's former partner Pat McDermott went missing four years ago and was presumed drowned. Now information has surfaced indicating he may in fact be working as a deckhand in Mexico. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Olivia Newton-John's missing ex-lover Pat McDermott is believed to have come out of hiding and urged investigators to leave him alone.

Britain's News of the World newspaper reported yesterday how McDermott, who was presumed to have drowned on a fishing trip off the coast of Los Angeles in 2005, had a friend fax a letter on his behalf begging investigators to stop their search for him.

Three phone calls have also been received by investigators from the former cameraman's associates since February this year.

The fax, dated February 10, describes how McDermott fled the United States at a time he was suspected to have been having major financial problems.

"Pat asked that I portray to you his innocence in the crimes you have accused him of," the fax to private investigator Philip Klein said.

"Pat has committed no crime ... Pat simply wishes to be left alone.

"Let him live his life in peace and harmony. He is safe and has started anew again in a new place both mentally and physically."

Klein told the newspaper he had also received information that McDermott was working as a deckhand in a small Mexican fishing village and staying at a beachside motel.

US Coast Guard investigators in 2008 concluded McDermott, who dated Newton-John for nine years before he disappeared, probably drowned at sea while on a fishing expedition.

The investigation also determined McDermott could have survived in the ocean for 14 hours, opening the possibility he could have been rescued if the crew of the vessel realised he was missing sooner.

His disappearance created headlines around the world, with unfounded sightings of the 48-year-old in Mexico and Europe.