Missing Gold Coast camper Lachlan Symonds' brother Brody Symonds speaks out

The family of Gold Coast camper Lachlan Symonds, whose body was found yesterday after a more than a week-long search, has revealed their touching plans in the wake of their extreme heartache.

The family of Gold Coast camper Lachlan Symonds, whose body was found yesterday after a more than a week-long search, has revealed their touching plans in the wake of their extreme heartache.

Mr Symonds, 23, was reported missing on March 7 after he could not be found by loved ones at his campsite in Coomera.

He had asked his mother over the phone for supplies at 4pm on the day he went missing.

When she arrived her son was nowhere to be seen but his camping gear was still at the location.

In a statement yesterday, police said the man’s body had been found.

A cause of death had not yet been released by police and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Since the tragic news Mr Symonds’ younger brother Brody Symonds has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for his late brother, and has spoken out on the importance of men’s mental health.

“On Wednesday, the 16th of March, Mum and I answered the door to the police who informed us of the tragic news of Lochie’s passing,” Brody said.

Gold Coast camper Lachlan Symonds was found dead yesterday, and now his younger brother is speaking out about the importance of men’s mental health. Photo – Go Fund Me.

“Friends, family and of course, Mum and I are devastated.

“It appears as if there was no suffering for him.”

His brother revealed Mr Symonds had been struggling with his mental health at the time he went missing.

“At only 23 years old, he had a lifetime struggle with mental health, battling his demons every day,” Brody said.

“He had the world ahead of him.

“We all love you, and always will. I wish you could have seen how many people cared about you, and how much effort went into finding you. I am so sorry this was the outcome.”

According to his brother Lochie loved caring for others, animals, and being outdoors.

“Always taking in injured animals and rehabilitating them, even relocating dangerous animals such as snakes and monitors into places where they aren’t at risk of being run over,” Brody said.

“Despite everything and all your challenges in life, you never lost your integrity and stayed true to yourself.”

It was with a broken heart that the Symonds family has asked for donations to help give their beloved son and brother a “beautiful service and a place of rest”.

Brody Symonds with his older brother Lachlan Symonds. Photo: Go Fund Me

Brody said the family was also asking for help to afford crisis counselling.

“The current services available are $60-85 per session, money we don’t have,” he said.

“Trauma will just build without any psychological interventions.

“We wish to use any money that is left over after the funeral to donate to charities aimed at mens’ mental health.”

The Symonds also have dreams of creating a foundation under Mr Symonds’ name to help further spread mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

“We would love that Lochie be remembered for the beautiful person he was,” Brody said.

“And not have the stigma to his mental illness, which did not define the true person he was.

“We will all miss you dearly, and we are so sorry that this world was too hard for you.

“Please, if you are ever in need, or have a friend in need, please reach out to someone. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call triple-0 or 13 11 14.

“It is not weak to speak.”

The Symonds family has also extended their thanks to the family, friends, Queensland Police and their specialist search units, the community, and strangers who rallied to help them find Lochie.

If this story has raised any issues, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 131 114.

Originally published as Missing Gold Coast camper Lachlan Symonds' brother Brody Symonds speaks out