Teen backpacker missing in Australia in 2019 remains unexplained

The disappearance of a young Belgian backpacker in southeastern Australia has baffled authorities for more than three years after an investigation ended, and it remains a mystery.

The coroner ruled that Theo Hayez, 18, may have died shortly after leaving a nightclub in the NSW coastal town of Byron Bay in May 2019, but she could not determine if it was an accident or if he was killed by someone else.

NSW Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said suicide appeared highly unlikely and Mr Hayes had no reason to disappear deliberately.

But she said she was unable to make discoveries about the two theories put forward in the investigation into his disappearance.

One of them was Mr Hayes’ fatal accident while trying to climb towards the lighthouse in Byron Bay. Another is that one or more people caused his death and disposed of his body.

“Sadly, I don’t have enough evidence in front of me to confirm or rule out either theory,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

Mr Hayez’s godfather, Jean-Philippe Peckert, told reporters outside Byron Bay Court that the family knew there would be no breakthrough through the trial process, but they still hoped the “major questions” would one day be answered.

“It’s obviously a very tough time because it’s the end of a tough process,” Mr Pector said. “But I think it’s best to keep the case open and allow new evidence to emerge.”

Mr Hayez, preparing to return to Belgium after eight months of travelling in Australia, was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub in Byron Bay at around 11pm on May 31, 2019.

Police were alerted six days later when he failed to return to the hotel and could not be found or contacted.

A massive search was launched, but the only thing authorities found was a hat they believed was owned by Mr Hayez.

Police announced in February a reward of A$500,000 (£278,000) for anyone who provided information about the case.

“I hope that if any further information is known, the reward will provide an incentive to come forward and contact CrimeStoppers,” the coroner said.

Ms O’Sullivan acknowledged the grief and loss experienced by Mr Hayez’s family and friends, some of whom travelled from Belgium to Byron Bay to investigate.

“It’s clear from the evidence that he has a bright future,” she said.

Mr Hayez’s cousin Lisa Hayez told reporters that Byron Bay felt like the worst place in the world, but also home in a way.

“Like I told JP (Pector) to drive here, I felt like I was driving home like I was going home to meet my people,” she said. “It’s very, very special, it’s hard to describe.”