‘A tragic accident’: Search for missing cop called off

The update was made by the Queensland police officer’s uncle on social media.

EXCLUSIVE

The search for missing police officer Jay Notaro, who disappeared from Byron Bay, has been formally called off.

The 45-year-old Queensland Police Inspector went missing from Broken Head Beach on Tuesday morning.

His surfboard was found on the beach with the leg-rope attached by a passer-by about 7.30am.

The tragic update was made by his uncle on social media.

The search for a missing Queensland police officer Jay Notaro has been called off.

“The family is of course naturally devastated. This hole in our lives will never be filled. We are heart broken. Such a tragic accident,” his uncle Phil said.

“Conditions this week have been horrendous and we can’t thank the NSW and Queensland Police enough for a remarkable response.

“Plus all the friends and colleagues that attended to help in any way they could. And the onslaught of messages. It’s been truly humbling and heart warming. But we fully understand that they had to call it.

“The search was intensive. Now we wait for Mother Nature to decide if she will return him to us.”

Queensland police officer Jay Notaro. Picture: News Corp Australia

Police confirmed to news.com.au the search had been called off on Friday afternoon.

On Friday evening, Acting Commissioner of Police Shane Chelepy APM said the three-day-long air and land search in the Broken Head, Cape Byron, and Ballina areas had been unsuccessful.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our organisation, and our thoughts are with Jay’s family, friends and colleagues as we continue to navigate this tragic situation,” he said.

“I want to sincerely thank our NSW Police counterparts, and everyone involved in the search for their tireless commitment and professionalism under highly challenging and emotional circumstances.

“I know this situation has impacted many across the QPS and the community.”

Mr Notaro’s sister Hayley also posted a tribute via a photo of the beloved officer holding his niece on his shoulder.

“The best uncle in the world,” she wrote.

Police are working on a number of theories on the disappearance, including foul play, self-harm, a surfing mishap or a medical episode.

Mr Notaro’s car was found at Broken Head Reserve car park.

On Wednesday, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said Mr Notaro was “a very strong swimmer, very experienced surfer” that would be “extremely capable” in the conditions.

“The condition of that surfboard was unremarkable. There was no damage, and the leg rope was fully intact,” Inspector Zimmer said.

Jay Notaro at a press conference in 2019. Picture Glenn Hampson

“He’s a very strong swimmer, a very experienced surfer, the conditions that presented over the last few days were quite calm, so he would be extremely capable of managing those conditions due to his experience,” he said.

“The inspector is a very highly regarded, and a very well-respected member of the Queensland Police Service.”

Mr Notaro has also previously served for the Gold Coast Water Police.

In an old newsletter, Queensland Police described Mr Notaro as a “keen angler” who had an interest in the marine environment from a young age.

“When not at work Jay loves the outdoors and has interests including rugby league, and surfing,” the newsletter stated.

The officer was a well-respected member of the forcing, working on a number of high-profile cases, including the murder of bikie Greg Dufty in 2015.

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth also became involved in the week-long search with the pair surfing friends.

Mr Notaro, who lives in Mermaid Beach in Queensland, was reportedly in Byron Bay for his 45th birthday.

He was reported missing after failing to turn up to work this week.