Search for Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez suspended while investigations continue

The search for Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez has again been suspended after a renewed extensive land, air and sea search including the cliffs off Cape Byron lighthouse that involved three police officers from Belgium failed to earlier this week.

• Theo Hayez’s family thanks Byron Bay community
• Byron Bay volunteers vow to keep searching for Theo Hayez

Police have again suspended the search for missing Belgium backpacker Theo Hayez.

The 18-year-old was last seen just after 11pm on Friday 31 May 2019 leaving Cheeky Monkey’s night club.

Police were alerted on Thursday 6 June when he failed to return to the Wakeup Hostel and did not check out when expected. His passport and belongings were untouched.

Theo Hayez was last seen in Byron Bay on May 31. Picture: Supplied

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This week police from the Tweed/Byron Police District, Police Rescue and the SCC Homicide Squad, local SES volunteers, and NSW Surf Lifesaving, with the assistance of three Belgium police officers, restarted an extensive land, air and sea search including searching the cliffs off Cape Byron lighthouse where the teen’s mobile phone pinged on June 1.

Police said while the full-scale physical search has been suspended, the investigations are ongoing.

Police rescue ramped up the search for Theo Hayez earlier in the week.

Tweed/Byron Police Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell thanked the Byron Bay community and the local volunteers who have assisted with the search on behalf of the NSW Police Force, Belgian authorities and Theo’s family.

“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.”

“Throughout the entire investigation we have been liaising with the Belgian Federal Police, keeping them informed of our progress and work collaboratively with them. Belgium authorities have been appreciative of the work being undertaken.

“We met with Theo’s family today and our thoughts are them here in Australia and abroad,” Superintendent Roptell said.

Theo’s mother Vinciane Delforge meeting community members on Sunday. Picture: AAP/Regi Varghese

Theo’s father Laurent Hayez with Theo’s cousin Lisa Hayez on Sunday. Pictured: AAP/Regi Varghese

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell also thanked the overwhelming support the Byron Bay community had provided.

“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.

Police rescue search around the headland of the Byron Bay Lighthouse.

“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.” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

The family said they would not be leaving Byron Bay without Theo and vowed to continue to search for him.

“We don’t plan to go home,” Theo’s cousin Lisa Hayez said.