Authorities in NSW have appealed to the public for assistance in locating Theo Hayez, an 18-year-old Belgian backpacker who was last seen in Byron Bay in late May.
Per NSW Police reports, Theo Hayez was last seen at around 11pm on Friday 31 May 2019 at Cheeky Monkeys bar on Jonson Street in Byron.
Staff at the Wake Up! backpacker hostel contacted police when he failed to return and could not be contacted or located, and authorities say they hold serious concerns for his welfare.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 180cm to 190cm tall, with a thin build and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, beige pants and black shoes.
Theo Hayez arrived in Australia late last year on a working holiday visa, and was due to return home to Belgium a week after he was last seen.
He was reportedly active on WhatsApp in the early hours of June 1, but this was his last known contact.
Family members say that Hayez is typically “very punctual” when responding to social media posts, and that his lack of communication is out-of-character and concerning.
Family fried Michael Dorkham told ABC News that Hayez had discussed plans to travel to Melbourne before flying out of Australia.
He said that they had spoken several weeks ago, and that Hayez had outlined the things he needed to do before leaving and was “not the type of guy” to disappear.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
