Rick Thorburn, who murdered his foster daughter Tiahleigh Palmer, has been found dead in his jail cell in Queensland.

The 64-year-old was imprisoned for life for killing the 12-year-old and dumping her body on the banks of Pimpama River in Gold Coast in 2015.

He was found dead at Woodford Correctional Centre, north of Brisbane, overnight.

Later that same day, Thorburn murdered Palmer at their home in Chambers Flats, south of Brisbane, and disposed of her body that night.

He returned home and told his family ”it is all taken care of” and crafted a lie for them to tell to try and cover up the murder.

Palmer was reported missing on October 30, 2015, after a youth worker attending her school to take her to a program found she was not there.

About six days later, her body was found by men looking for a spot to fish by the river. 

In September 2016, Thorburn was taken into custody and faced charges for the murder of Palmer, obstruction of justice, and tampering with a corpse.

He pleaded guilty to all charges in the Brisbane Supreme Court in May 2018 and was sentenced to life.

He was eligible to apply for parole after serving 20 years in September 2036.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.