Kyle Morris’s family calls for more mental health education

The father of a 20-year-old man found dead after a week-long search aided by thousands has revealed devastating details that hinted his son may have needed help.

The body of Kyle Morris is understood to have been found in north Brisbane bushland after a week-long search for the uni student. Picture: Supplied

The father of a 20-year-old north Brisbane man, missing for a week before a search ended in tragedy, says he “missed the signs” as his son withdrew socially in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, triggering thousands of people across Queensland to talk about the importance of mental health.

It is understood the body of Kyle Morris, 20 was found by police near Linkfield Rd, Bridgeman Downs, Monday, June 19, between 2 and 3pm.

He was last seen wandering barefoot into bushland a week prior which prompted a large-scale search by family, police and friends – along with the help of thousands of people on social media.

Kyle Morris. Picture: Supplied

Kyle’s father Darren Morris said he was faced with the heartbreaking task of sorting through photographs to provide a funeral home to formally identify his son’s body — and that he had noticed something about his son he had previously missed.

“Looking back on recent photos at family dinners, holidays, weekends away … Kyle is rarely seen,” Mr Morris said.

“He seemed to have been withdrawing from social contact with the rest of the family over the last six months … the main excuse being ‘uni assessments are due’.

“If I saw that he had an extensive group of friends to replace us, I would not feel so bad. But he only had a few old school friends that he saw intermittently.

“This social withdrawal seemed to be exacerbated by Covid and the fact that he just stayed home now to study.

“He did everything online with the odd video conference for group assignments … thus no new strong friendships were made at uni … while all of his school friends had moved on to jobs, other universities, and other social circles.”

Kyle Morris, 20, was missing for a week before, it is understood, his body was found in bushland in a north Brisbane suburb. Picture: Supplied

A social media campaign, called on people to help find Kyle and later thanked everyone for an avalanche of online support included Mr Morris sharing a heartfelt letter to his missing boy.

Natasha Morris, Kyle’s mother, announced his death on Monday afternoon on Facebook.

“It is with the greatest sadness and heaviest of hearts that we share that our beloved son has been found dead,” she said.

“Thank you to all of those who assisted in his search and the community for their support and prayers.

“You are forever in our hearts kiddo.”

Kyle Morris, 20, was slowly isolating from friends and family. Picture: Supplied

Police said they were still working with the coroner to finalise formal identification a body.

According to Mr Morris, Kyle was a regular young man who was studying hard for his third year university exams, and occasionally suffered from anxiety.

“But 95 per cent of the time he was a happy, well adjusted young man,” Mr Morris said.

“If I missed the signs that (Kyle was) hurting or struggling, I am so sorry.

“We all need help from time to time … there is no shame or weakness in asking for it.”

Kyle Morris. Picture: Supplied

Mr Morris said there had been an outpour of love and support for Kyle, their family, and a push to raise awareness of mental health since his body was found.

“Some wonderful local retailers have offered to donate goods or money for Kyle’s family,” he said.

“But we would prefer it is directed to some good causes like youth mental health, or education of parents to recognise the early signs of such problems in their children.”

Mr Morris said they have felt fully supported by their community and the family was meeting Wednesday, June 21, to plan Kyle’s funeral.

Kyle Morris was studying business at Griffth University, loved motorcycles and jetskiing, had dreams of building a career as a business consultant, and would have celebrated his 21st birthday on July, 21, this year.

If this story has raised any issues contact:

Lifeline: 13 1114

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline for Parents: 1300 30 1300