Fresh twist in case of missing backpacker Theo Hayez as his parents speak and police offer a $500k reward for any information
- It’s almost three years since Theo Hayez vanished without trace in Byron Bay
- Police and NSW government announce $500,000 reward in quest for answers
- Theo’s parents have issued a harrowing public appeal for information about son
NSW Police have launched a $500,000 reward in the hope anyone with information about the disappearance of Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez in Byron Bay almost three years ago will finally come forward.
The 18-year-old was last seen about 11pm on Friday May 31, 2019 outside the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub in the popular holiday spot in far northern NSW and was reported missing six days later after he failed to return to his hostel.
Despite an extensive search, investigators found no trace of Theo or his phone – only his hat, which turned up in previously examined area on July 7 – six weeks after he vanished.
An inquest into his disappearance is currently underway in the NSW Coroner’s court.
Investigators hope the new reward will bring Theo’s disappearance back to the forefront of people’s minds so detectives can provide answers to the family.
A $500,000 reward has been announced for anyone with information about missing backpacker Theo Hayez (pictured with his girlfriend)
‘Detectives want to ensure every avenue has been exhaustively examined and we are continuing to ask anyone who had any interaction with Theo after he left that Friday night to contact us,’ Tweed/Byron Police District Acting Commander Brendon Cullen said.
‘We have worked closely with Theo’s family and friends here in Australia and over in Belgium from the beginning of our investigation into his whereabouts. We all want to have answers as to what happened to him.’
The 18-year-old was just days from returning home to Europe when he vanished.
Theo’s family have thanked the NSW government and police for their ongoing support in pursuing what happened to their son in their desperate fight for answers.
Theo’s parents have issued a public plea for information into their son’s disappearance
‘We believe this reward may be one of our last opportunities to find answers as to what happened to Theo,’ his father Laurent Hayez said in a recorded public appeal.
Theo’s mother Vinciane Delforge added: ‘Any detail big or small could help transform the investigation and provide our family and investigators with desperately needed answers.
‘Not having answers means our family is unable to grieve and heal as we don’t have a conclusion.
One of the key questions the family is seeking to address is whether Theo was with someone on the night he vanished, which they strongly believe was the case.
‘We would like to again thank the Coroner, the team and the community for supporting us in this endless grief as we continue to seek answers as to what happened to Theo,’ Ms Delforge said.
Investigators found no trace of Theo or his phone, despite an extensive search in Byron Bay
Theo Hayez (pictured) was days away from returning home to Belgium when he vanished
Deputy Premier Paul Toole hopes the reward will encourage anyone who is yet to provide information to police to come forward.
‘Theo was a young man who had his entire life ahead of him and his family cannot rest until they know what happened to him,’ Mr Toole said.
‘The pain of losing a loved one is bad enough, but the mystery surrounding this case only adds to that pain.
‘Police investigating this case need our help to provide that crucial piece of the puzzle that can bring some comfort to the family and friends of Theo. If you know or think of anything, no matter how small, please phone Crime Stoppers,’ Minister Toole said
Investigations by Strike Force Mulgray which was set up to investigate Theo’s disappearance continue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
An inquest into Theo’s disappearance currently underway in the NSW Coroner’s court