Mysterious case of Theo Hayez ‘baffles’ Belgian special investigators who fly home after month-long search for missing backpacker is called off
- Belgian officers in Byron Bay have flown home amid failed search for Theo Hayez
- The 18-year-old Belgian backpacker was last seen leaving a bar on May 31
- Theo failed to return to his hostel by June 6, sparking extensive searches
- Three specialist investigators from Belgium were brought over to support search
Three specialist investigators from Belgium have flown home as hopes of finding missing teenager Theo Hayez continue to fade.
The 18-year-old Belgian backpacker was last seen leaving Byron Bay’s Cheeky Monkey’s bar at about 11pm on May 31.
Theo failed to return to his hostel by June 6, sparking extensive land, air and sea searches across the popular tourist town.
NSW Police announced on Wednesday the full-scale search for the teenager had been called off, but investigations are ongoing.
Belgian Teenager Theo Hayez (right) was last seen leaving Byron Bay’s Cheeky Monkey’s bar at about 11pm on May 31
Theo failed to return to his hostel by June 6, sparking extensive land, air and sea searches across the popular tourist town
Following the announcement, the three Belgian investigators – two Federal officers from Hal-Vilvorde and a specialist Missing Persons officer from Brussels – were flown back to Europe.
A source said: ‘Clearly the Belgians haven’t got a clue what’s going on, beyond what they get from the Australians.
‘They are baffled.’
The Belgian officers came to Byron Bay to support the investigation in an ‘observer capacity’, NSW Police said in a statement.
Tweed/Byron Police Commander Superintendent Dave Roptell thanked the Byron Bay community and local volunteers who probed bushland in the search for the backpacker.
‘It’s times like this which shows the strength of our community. We want to thank each and every person who assisted and who provided support,’ he said on Wednesday.
NSW Police announced on Wednesday the full-scale search for the teenager had been called off, but investigations are ongoing. Pictured: a specialised crew member abseils in Byron Bay
Theo arrived in Australia in November and travelled on-and-off with his cousin Lisa (left)
‘Throughout the entire investigation we have been liaising with the Belgian Federal Police, keeping them informed of our progress and work collaboratively with them. Belgian authorities have been appreciative of the work being undertaken.
‘We met with Theo’s family today and we send our thoughts to them all, both here in Australia and abroad.’
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM shared similar sentiments, extending his thanks to the tight-knit community.
‘This search has brought the Byron Bay community together in more ways than one, and they have supported not only our officers but Theo’s family during this difficult time,’ he said.
‘I would like to personally acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Tweed/Byron Police District officers and the Belgian authorities; their collaboration and support has been second to none.’
Following the announcement, the three Belgium investigators – two Federal officers from Hal-Vilvorde and a specialist Missing Persons officer from Brussels – were flown back to Europe. Pictured: emergency services conducting their search for Mr Hayez
Theo’s parents Laurent Hayez and Vinciane Delforge vowed to continue the search indefinitely with the help of local volunteers.
Amid the emotional toll of searching for his son, Mr Hayez commended the support of the community and people of Australia.
‘It’s amazing. People in Australia, people here in Byron Bay… astonishing, it’s amazing,’ he said.
‘Their support they bring to us is giving us force to keep faith. Without the support in Belgium and here in Australia, I think we would be on the couch with tissues, crying all the day.’
Laurent Hayez, Theo’s father, commended the support of the community and people of Australia. ‘It’s amazing. People in Australia, people here in Byron Bay… astonishing, it’s amazing,’ he said.