Eighteen-year-old Théo Hayez from Belgium is arguably the most well-known backpacker to travel to Australia. It’s for all the wrong reasons though. Three years ago, he vanished in Byron Bay. His disappearance was completely out of character, one minute he was here, the next, nothing. Speculation about what might have happened to Théo has been intense, but an endless number of Théories have all led nowhere. As you’d expect his mum is heartbroken, and desperate for any information. So to help, we’ve asked former homicide detective Gary Jubelin to retrace Théo’s last known steps in the hope of making sense of this nightmare in paradise.
It’s one of the most baffling missing persons cases in recent memory. A young Belgian backpacker vanishes without in Byron Bay. Searching For Theo will rewrite everything we knew.
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Investigating judge announces final findings in investigation into missing Théo Hayez
Belga – 1 hour ago
According to the first possibility, the backpacker would have had “a terrible accident” while he was alone, after phone records showed that he was walking along a dark and treacherous path through dense bushes to Tallows Beach. However, that clashes with the boy’s character, who was reportedly very cautious and responsible, it sounded. A second possibility is that Théo encountered “one or more persons”, and that one of those persons caused his death and disposed of the body.
Suicide ruled out
“At the moment, unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence to confirm or exclude either theory,” coroner Teresa O’Sullivan explained. That Hayez might have committed suicide or orchestrated his disappearance is ruled out, given his close relationship with family and friends and the fact that he was very much looking forward to seeing them again.
O’Sullivan further says he is unable to establish a precise date of death, but assumes that the young man may have died on or shortly after 1 June 2019 in or near Byron Bay. “A tragic loss of a bright, kind and thoughtful young man who was universally loved,” she concluded.
Investigating judge
A “coroner” in Australia is a type of investigating judge who is charged with clarifying the causes of certain types of deaths. Under the Australian system, the investigation by a “coroner” or coroner must establish the identity of a victim, as well as the date, place, circumstances and medical causes of death. The autopsy procedures are investigative acts, not indictments. However, recommendations can be made to authorities to improve safety and public health.
Surfing paradise
Théo Hayez, from Overijse and 18 at the time, had been travelling in Australia since late 2018. He was last seen on the evening of 31 May 2019 in the surfing paradise Byron Bay. He was due to return to Belgium in early June. His phone was last detected the next day by a transmitter mast not far from the Byron Bay lighthouse. Despite months of searches by Australian and Belgian police and local volunteers, his body was never found.
Dutch
Onderzoeksrechter maakt finale bevindingen bekend in onderzoek naar vermiste Théo Hayez
Belga – 1 uur geleden
Volgens de eerste mogelijkheid zou de rugzaktoerist «een vreselijk ongeluk» hebben gekregen terwijl hij alleen was, nadat uit telefoongegevens bleek dat hij langs een donker en verraderlijk pad door dicht struikgewas naar Tallows Beach liep. Dat botst echter met het karakter van de jongen, die naar verluidt erg voorzichtig en verantwoordelijk was aangelegd, klonk het. Een tweede mogelijkheid is dat Théo «één of meerdere personen» is tegengekomen, en dat één van die personen zijn dood veroorzaakte en zich van het lichaam heeft ontdaan.
Zelfdoding uitgesloten
«Op dit moment is er helaas onvoldoende bewijs om een van beide theorieën te kunnen bevestigen of uitsluiten», verklaarde lijkschouwer Teresa O’Sullivan. Dat Hayez zelfdoding zou hebben gepleegd of zijn verdwijning zou hebben georkestreerd, wordt uitgesloten, gezien zijn nauwe band met familie en vrienden en het feit dat hij er erg naar uitkeek om hen weer te zien.
O’Sullivan zegt voorts niet in staat te zijn om een precieze datum van overlijden vast te stellen, maar gaat ervan uit dat de jongeman wellicht op of kort na 1 juni 2019 om het leven kwam in of nabij Byron Bay. «Een tragisch verlies van een slimme, vriendelijke en attente jongeman die alom geliefd was», besloot ze.
Onderzoeksrechter
Een «coroner» is in Australië een soort van onderzoeksrechter die belast is met het ophelderen van de oorzaken van bepaalde soorten sterfgevallen. Volgens het Australische systeem moet bij het onderzoek van een «coroner» of lijkschouwer de identiteit van een slachtoffer worden vastgesteld, net als de datum, de plaats, de omstandigheden en de medische oorzaken van het overlijden. De lijkschouwingsprocedures zijn onderzoeksdaden, geen aanklachten. Er kunnen wel aanbevelingen worden gegeven aan de autoriteiten om de veiligheid en de volksgezondheid te verbeteren.
Surfparadijs
Théo Hayez, afkomstig uit Overijse en 18 jaar op het moment van de feiten, was sinds eind 2018 op reis in Australië. Hij werd voor het laatst gezien op de avond van 31 mei 2019 in het surfparadijs Byron Bay. Hij zou begin juni naar België terugkeren. Zijn telefoon werd de volgende dag voor het laatst gedetecteerd door een zendmast niet ver van de vuurtoren van Byron Bay. Ondanks maanden zoekwerk van de Australische en Belgische politie en plaatselijke vrijwilligers, werd zijn lichaam nooit gevonden.
1 Following the digital ghost-trail of missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayes | Under Investigation
7 sep. 2021
Full Episodes: https://9now.app.link/uNP4qBkmN6 | Under Investigation: Searching for Theo (2021)
t’s one of the most baffling missing persons cases in recent memory. A young Belgian backpacker vanishes without in Byron Bay. Searching For Theo will rewrite everything we knew.
For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
2 SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: What really happened to missing backpacker Theo Hayez? | 60 Minutes Australia
16 okt. 2022
For over forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
3 One year on: What happened to backpacker Theo Hayez? | 7NEWS
31 mei 2020
7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Daily Edition, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 11:30am and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
4 Byron Bay locals hold out hope for backpacker Theo Hayez 1 year on from his disappearance | 7NEWS
31 mei 2020
7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Daily Edition, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 11:30am and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
5 Fears grow for missing backpacker last seen in Byron Bay 13-days-ago | Nine News Australia
12 jun. 2019
6 Mark Reddie ABC News 7pm NSW “Missing backpacker anniversary”
4 jun. 2020
7 Why Do So Many People Go Missing Around Byron Bay? – Theo Hayez
Investigating judge announces final findings in investigation into missing Théo Hayez © Belga / M-P Desset
Théo Hayez is a Belgian backpacker who went missing on May 31, 2019, in Byron Bay, Australia. Here are some key points about the case:
Théo Hayez, 18 at the time, was backpacking in Australia and had been in Byron Bay for about two weeks when he went missing.
He was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey’s bar in the early hours of May 31, 2019. He did not return to his hostel and his phone and passport were later found in his room.
A massive search and rescue operation was launched, involving the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Police, the Australian Defence Force, and volunteers.
Despite extensive searches, Théo has not been found to date. The case has received significant media attention both in Australia and overseas.
The case has been complicated by the fact that there were no CCTV cameras in the area where Théo was last seen, and many potential witnesses have provided conflicting accounts of what they saw.
The case has also highlighted the issue of personal safety for backpackers in Australia, with many calling for better safety measures and education for backpackers.
Théo’s family has been actively involved in the search and has made multiple trips to Australia to raise awareness and gather information about his disappearance.
In August 2020, the New South Wales government offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the location of Théo Hayez or the conviction of anyone responsible for his disappearance. The reward is still in place.
seriously smooth serial killer
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