Volunteers embark on ‘tough’ search from missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez
The community are gathering today to search for the missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez who was last seen in Byron Bay almost two months ago.
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COMMUNITY members today combed the bush for missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez who was last seen in Byron Bay almost two months ago.
A group of around 25 volunteers searched through Tallow Beach and have called on others to help them.
A Facebook event was created by a group called Looking for Theo Hayez said said volunteers would be searching some “dense scrub” off Tallow Beach.
THEO HAYEZ: POLICE CALL OFF SEARCH FOR MISSING BELGIAN BACKPACKER
“This may be a tough search and we require many strong, fit people to assist,” the event page read.
“We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and hope to find some answers for Theo’s family.”
Over the past couple of days, the group has been sharing photos of a “silver necklace with two pendants” Mr Hayez was seen wearing.
It is understood the necklace has not yet been found.
The events page advised anyone willing to volunteer to wear walking shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved top, sunscreen, hat, gloves, a walking stick and to bring water and snacks.
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HAT FOUND IN NSW SEARCH FOR THEO HAYEZ
The group asks for people to use a GPS tracker application on their phone and email theohayezgps@gmail.com at the end of the day to monitor the areas which have been searched.
Volunteer Sheri D’Rosario has been helping with the search since the early days following the teen’s disappearance.
“We didn’t find anything new (today), it was a really hard search,” she said.
“There were parts where the bush was really, really thick and there were people having to climb over the top of bushes, falling in amongst the scrub.
“We covered the ground we wanted to cover, then we had a bit of time this afternoon and went to look at some other areas as well.”
Those taking part will be meeting at the Tallow Beach car park at the end of Tallow Beach Road and will be searching the area from 9am to 3pm.
The search comes more than a month after police called off the search for Mr Hayez, saying they “do not have any more answers” for the teen’s family at this stage.
Mr Hayez was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkey’s on Jonson Street at Byron Bay about 11pm on May 31.
THEO HAYEZ WAS ASKED TO LEAVE BAR JUST HOURS BEFORE BYRON BAY DISAPPEARANCE
FATHER OF THEO HAYEZ MAKES EMOTIONAL APPEAL FOR HELP FINDING HIS SON
He never returned to Wake Up! hostel, where he had been staying.
Mr Hayez had been holidaying in Australia since November, accompanied by his cousin, who has been heavily involved in the search.
He is described as being of caucasian appearance, about 180cm to 190cm tall, with a thin build and blonde hair.
He was last seen dressed in a black hooded jumper, beige pants and black shoes.
POLICE USE SNIFFER DOGS AND DRONES TO SEARCH FOR MISSING BYRON BAY BACKPACKER
Mr Hayez’s belongings, including his phone, bank cards and passport, have not been used since May 31.
Police are continuing to appeal for public assistance, including anyone who may have CCTV from surrounding areas from about 11pm on Friday 31 May 2019, or anyone with dashcam footage from Jonson or Tennyson streets to come forward.
Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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