Large-scale search for missing Sydney teenager Brody Hurst ends in tragedy

Police have located the body of a missing 15-year-old boy after a desperate overnight search, devastating his family and friends.

The body of Brody Hurst, 15, has been found after he went missing yesterday. Picture: Supplied.

The frantic search for a missing Sydney teenager has ended in tragedy after police and paramedics located his body this morning.

Brody Hurst was last seen at a shop in the Northern Beaches suburb of Newport on Thursday afternoon about 5.30pm.

His worried family reported the 15-year-old missing shortly after, saying his disappearance was out of character and that his mobile phone was switched off, sparking a large-scale ground and air search by police.

The community has shared messages of love and support with Brody Hurst’s family. Pictured: Supplied

Early this morning, Brody’s mother Christeena took to Facebook to appeal for anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact authorities.

“Brody left his bright green pushbike at the northern end of the beach on the walking track near the sand yesterday early evening and hasn’t come home,” she wrote.

“This is very out of character. Please help us find him.”

She asked locals to help with the search in the vicinity of Newport Beach, which resumed at first light.

But tragically, New South Wales Police have confirmed officers located the boy’s body at Bilgola Beach, not far from where he was last seen, at 9am today.

A section of Bilgola Beach has been closed.

Brody Hurst, 15, was last seen at Newport Beach where he left his bright green pushbike. Tragically, police located his body this morning. Pictured: Supplied

Three police cars and two ambulances were at the scene, along with detectives, following the heartbreaking discovery.

The Manly Daily newspaper reports that Brody’s family also attended the scene.

Initial inquiries indicate the boy’s death is not suspicious.

Police have closed the Bilgola ocean pool and the area surrounding the southern end of the beach while investigations continue.

Police located missing teenager Brody Hurst’s body this morning. Pictured: Supplied

Tributes have begun flowing on social media for the Pittwater High School student, with messages of support for his devastated family.

“I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling at present as his mum,” one wellwisher wrote. “I hope you and your family are surrounded by loving and supportive friends at this time and that you can take some comfort from the messages here.”

Tributes have begun flowing for Brody Hurst after police located the missing teenager’s body.

Brody Hurst was reported missing yesterday and his bicycle was found at the beach near where his body was located today. Pictured: Supplied.

Another shocked local wrote: “I know there is not much that can give you comfort right now, but please know you have the collect arms of the community of the Northern Beaches and further afield wrapping their arms around you wanting to give you support and love in any way that we can.”

Police will now prepare a report for the Coroner.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au