The search for missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez has officially been called off, with the case now being referred to the NSW coroner.
“Detectives from Tweed and Byron Police District have referred the matter to the NSW Coroner,” they said. “The family wish to thank the public and the community volunteers for their ongoing support. They have requested their privacy at this time.
”Mr Hayez was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkey’s bar at about 11pm on May 31. Police began searching when they were alerted to his disappearance by staff at the Wake Up! Hostel in Byron Bay on June 6.His belongings, including his passport, were left there untouched. His father, Laurent Hayez, flew into Australia that month and made an emotional public appeal to help find his son. “I promised Theo’s little brother that I would bring his brother home. Please, help me keep my promise to him,” he told reporters through tears at Tweed Heads Police Station. The initial search was heavily focuses around the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the area where his phone was last detected on June 1. Laurent Hayez, father of missing Belgian backpacker, travelled to Byron Bay after his son was reported missing. Picture: Regi Varghese/AAPTheo Hayez's final phone records show the route he took from Cheeky Monkey's about 11pm until just after 1am the next morning when the last recorded signal came from a tower near Cape Byron lighthouse.However, police now believe the phone may have been in sleep mode when it sent its last signal. The extensive land, air and sea search for the missing teenager was suspended in July, with police at the time saying they had a “considerable” amount of information to go over.“It’s important to understand that this is a standard process in NSW and signifies progress,” the post read. “It presents us with the opportunity for much-needed expertise, insight and a fresh perspective and we sincerely welcome the participation of the Coroner.“Now, more than ever, we need to stay united as we embark on this new chapter — a step closer to finding Theo.” A candle light vigil was held for the teen on Sunday night at Clarkes Beach, with hundreds of locals joining in memory of Mr Hayez.“We’ve got a strong belief and also because we know how Theo is and what he would do, he would not spend a night alone outside in an environment he didn’t know, so we strongly believe that he was with people on that night,” he said.
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