Gage Wilson: Autopsy confirms identity of skeletal remains found near Byron hinterland crash site

An autopsy on remains found in the Byron hinterland has confirmed the death of a Mullumbimby man reported missing months ago. Family want to fly Gage home for a “beautiful celebration of his life”.

Gage Wilson from Mullumbimby was just 31. Picture: Supplied.

A forensic autopsy on skeletal remains found in the Byron Shire hinterland has confirmed the death of Mullumbimby man Gage Wilson after he was reported missing months ago.

Devastated loved ones – who have been struggling through a “tumultuous emotional journey” – released an update in mid-August, suspecting the worst after extensive searching.

Remains were discovered just one kilometre from where the 31-year-old’s crashed car was found on Koonyum Range Rd, Wilson’s Creek.

Gage Wilson. Picture: Niki Wilson/Facebook

Now, Mr Wilson’s family and NSW Police have declared the body found near Left Bank Rd on August 4, during a community-led search alongside authorities, was Mr Wilson.

He was last seen on Hakea Court at Mullumbimby in northern NSW on May 18.

Police have been asked for more information, including whether foul play has been ruled out.

Family, including sister Niki and Mr Wilson’s parents Ida and Clive, took to the Help Find Gage Wilson Facebook group on Monday. An online GoFundMe fundraiser was also updated.

Mr Wilson’s loved ones faced “profound disbelief and sorrow”, according to the fundraiser.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved Gage Wilson, cherished son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and dear friend,” a statement read.

Gage’s uncle and cousin Greg and Elizabeth Kovacs were just some of the loved ones who travelled to the hinterland to help search for Gage Wilson. Picture: NewsWire/Natalie Grono

“For over 10 weeks, an exhaustive search led by close family friends ended in the heartbreaking discovery of his remains …

“Our hearts are shattered, but we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the wider community, the Byron Shire Police and friends and family, who searched tirelessly for him.”

The family said they were living their “worst nightmare” and their hearts ached “for other families of missing loved ones in the Byron Shire area”, like Theo Hayez and Thea Liddle.

The site where Gage Wilson’s crashed ute was discovered. Picture: NewsWire/Natalie Grono

“We send our love and strength to those who are grieving alongside us,” the family wrote.

Mr Wilson was described as a “gentle, free spirit with a deep love for peace, nature, and humanity”.

“We can only hope that his final moments were as serene as his soul. His story, though short, touched so many lives, and he will forever be remembered,” the statement read.

Family want to “bring Gage back to the Northern Rivers, to lay him to rest in the place he called home”, for a “a burial or cremation, and a beautiful celebration of his life”. More than $14,300 had been raised of a $36,000 target as of Tuesday morning.

The discovery of Mr Wilson’s body has left the reeling after months of searching. Picture: Supplied

“We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of love we’ve already received. Thank you for standing with us, for your kindness, and for helping us bring our beautiful boy home,” the fundraiser states.

The family asked supporters to share their update. One woman wrote her “heart aches for your family” and another said the situation was “absolutely devastating”

“ … with every interaction I had with Gage, I could feel his warmth and gorgeous energy,” she said.

Mr Wilson’s family have been approached for comment.

A report was due to be prepared for the Coroner.

Originally published as Gage Wilson: Autopsy confirms identity of skeletal remains found near Byron hinterland crash site