A 61-year-old man has died while searching for a police dog that went missing in Ipswich.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the man may have had "medical episode" while searching a quarry in Redbank Plains yesterday.
Emergency services were called to help the man at about 7:00pm but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The Queensland Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the man's family and friends at this difficult time," the spokesperson said.
"We appreciate the community's efforts in conducting their own searches for our PD Quizz, however your safety and the safety of those around you is of paramount importance to us.
"We urge the community to reconsider navigating the areas within the previous searches as they can be potentially dangerous and physically demanding."
Officers cut back their search for PD Quizz on Sunday, six days after his disappearance.
The dog's lead slipped through the hands of his handler while tracking an alleged car thief in dense bush in Redbank Plains in the early hours of January 11.
A widescale search, involving helicopters, a drone and mounted police, was launched for the three-year-old Sabel German Shepherd.
Scores of people from the community also rallied behind officers, travelling from as far away as Bribie Island.
A reward will still be considered for anyone who has information that assists in locating PD Quizz.
Handler, Senior Constable Daniel McGreevy, said there was no barking or yelping when he lost track of PD Quizz.
Police were concerned PD Quizz's lead had become caught in the thick bush, or that someone had taken him.
Senior Constable McGreevy described the dog as his "permanent partner".
"To lose that link and not have him there, it's the worst feeling, and I've never experienced anything like this," he said last week.
"I need him back.
"We need him back for my family — he's only three, he's only a puppy in the scheme of things."
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner on the man's death.
