Parents of slain surfer make desperate plea

The parents of a young surfer who was tragically killed in Coffs harbour have issued a desperate plea to their son’s alleged killer.

The parents of a young surfer who was tragically killed on the NSW mid-north coast have issued a heartfelt plea to find their son’s alleged murderer.

Kye Schaefer had just finished a surf when he was fatally stabbed in the neck and chest at Park Beach in Coffs Harbour about 6.40am on May 2.

The 21-year-old was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital for treatment, where he later died.

Police described the stabbing as a random and unprovoked attack.

Mr Schaefer’s parents Pam and Tony have since pleaded with the alleged killer to “just be honest”.

“No words can describe how we’re feeling, the sheer loss of our faith in humanity,” Pam told NSW Police as part of a video appeal.

Kye Schaefer, 21, was tragically stabbed to death on May 2. Picture: Facebook.

“The love and support of our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that’s what’s kept us out of this black hole.”

“The local community have been so supportive. We thank everyone very much for the assistance and help given us through these hard times,” Tony added.

The horror incident took place almost two weeks ago with the alleged killer still on the run.

“Just be honest and own up to your mistakes in life … everyone makes them,” Tony said when asked what he would say to the person responsible.

The heartbroken parents begged anyone with information that could assist police to come forward.

“If you think of anything at all – you may not think it is important: yet it might be something that makes the difference,” Pam said.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to help raise funds for the Schaefer family with the young surfer described as having had a “big heart with a big smile”.

Park Beach on the quiet Monday morning after the stabbing of surfer Kye Schaefer. Picture: Janine Watson/Coffs Coast Advocate

“This young athlete’s life was tragically cut short,” the fundraising page reads.

“He was a member of the Woolgoolga Soccer Club, and also previously the North Coast Futsal Club.”

It noted that 21-year-old also represented the Coffs region in soccer at the rep level.

Kye had just finished a surf when he was fatally stabbed in the neck and chest at Park Beach in Coffs Harbour at about 6.40am on May 2. Picture: Facebook.

“Kye will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and members of the community. Please contribute to help Kye’s family deal with this tragedy and so they know they are not alone during this difficult time.”

So far, more than $26,000 has been raised.

Last week, detective superintendent Danny Doherty appealed for a man riding a bicycle in the area about the time the young surfer was killed to come forward.

Supt Doherty called the murder “random” and “unprovoked” and said police were investigating whether it was related to an alleged robbery in the area or if Schaefer had seen someone breaking into his car, according to 7News.

“Police have established Strike Force Kooringaroo and urge anyone who may have had their cars broken into at the (beach) carpark between 6am and 6.30am or had confronted anyone in the area to contact police,” Supt Doherty said last Wednesday.

“Investigators think the person responsible may have travelled back from the carpark towards the creek and bridge area (near the beach).“

Pam, Tony and the entire Schaefer have requested privacy at this time and have formally declined any further requests for interview and comment.