The family of one of Australia’s most well-known outback murderers has paid tribute to a “deeply loved” and “deeply missed” man.

Bradley John Murdoch died in palliative care on Tuesday night, while serving a life sentence for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio.

The 67-year-old had lung cancer that had spread to his brain, his family said.

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On Wednesday, lawyer Christopher Dale OAM released a statement on behalf of Murdoch’s family.

“To many, Bradley Murdoch is known only for the events that led to his conviction in 2005 for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, a crime for which he has always denied responsibility from his arrest until his death,” the statement said.

“But to those who truly knew him, he was much more than the headlines.

“Brad was a devoted father, father-in-law, and proud Poppy who never missed a chance to brag about his grandchildren. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friends.”

In 2001, Peter Falconio, 28, and his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, were driving about 300km from Alice Springs, when they were flagged down by Murdoch, who claimed the car the couple was driving had mechanical issues.

Murdoch protested that he was innocent in the shooting murder of Falconio, but was found guilty in 2005 and sentenced to 28 years, or life, without parole.

“Throughout his years in custody, Brad was well liked and respected by fellow inmates and correctional officers alike,” the statement from the family said.

“He earned the affectionate title of ‘Uncle’ from many Indigenous prisoners, recognising his efforts to offer guidance, support, and practical help whenever he could.

“Brad had a generous spirit. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold, known for his quick wit, his talent for fixing or building just about anything, and his incredible skills in the kitchen.

“Above all, he was someone who, no matter the circumstances, always extended a helping hand to those around him.

“Following the broadcast of the television series Murder in the Outback in 2020, which questioned key aspects of the case that led to his conviction, Brad believed there was one final avenue of hope: a Petition for Mercy.

“For three years, Brad placed his trust in former criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser, who acted as his legal representative and claimed to be working closely with a team of three King Counsels to draft the petition.

“It was later revealed that all three KCs had not been involved in Brad’s matter for years.

“This revelation was a crushing blow to Brad, who had clung to that hope in good faith.

“We understand that the public perception of Bradley will always be shaped by his conviction, but our intention is simply to share the man we knew, the version of him that was rarely, if ever, seen beyond our family and close friends.

“He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed.”

Despite various police searches in the last 20 years, Falconio’s body has never been found.

The NT introduced a “no body no parole” law in 2016, preventing people convicted of murder from being able to qualify for parole unless they give up the location of the victim’s body.

Murdoch would have been eligible for parole in 2032.