‘Traumatic’: Missing cop’s final text message

Missing police officer Jay Notaro has been farewelled in an emotional service, with the family hearing they may “never know” what happened to him.

The last text sent by missing police officer Jay Notaro was revealed during an emotional memorial service held by the Queensland Police Service on Friday.

The Queensland cop disappeared off the coast of Broken Head Beach in Byron Bay on March 25, a day after his 45th birthday.

His surfboard, with the leg rope attached, was found at the beach by a member of the public with his car parked 500 metres away in the carpark.

Mr Notaro was a well respected Queensland officer. Picture: Supplied

His body has never been found. Picture: John Gass

His body has never been found.

At the service held in Brisbane on Friday, long-time friend Claire Campbell spoke about her last interaction with Mr Notaro.

Ms Campbell said that she had called him to sing “happy birthday” before sending him videos of her two sons playing touch footy.

Long-time friend Claire Campbell spoke about the impact of Mr Notaro on her family’s life. Picture: QPS

Mr Notaro was heavily involved in rugby league throughout his whole life, and played for the Queensland Police Service Rugby League side.

“Jay’s last ever text message in response to those clips was just one word: ‘FLYING!!’ she said.

“The next day, we learned that Jay too, was flying sky high, heaven-bound to rest in peace forevermore.

“And just as we said to Jay at the end of that birthday call, the last call that he ever answered today we say Jay, we love you. We miss you.”

QPS Chaplin Jeff Baills, who led the service, said “no one knew” what had happened to Mr Notaro.

QPS Chaplin Jeff Baills said the cause of Mr Notaro’s death was still unknown. Picture: QPS

“I have heard many scenarios, reasons, hypotheses, explanations, as to why this happened,” Mr Baills said.

“What we do know that happened is where his Apple watch last pinged and where his surfboard was found. Everything else is speculation.

“We may never actually know for certain how this happened.”

Mr Baills said Mr Notaro’s death was “shocking” and “traumatic”.

“We must be very careful, because if we seek to lay blame on what we think happen, we actually rob ourselves and rob Jay of the extraordinary man that he was,” Mr Baills said.

Mr Notaro’s younger sister Hayley also spoke, saying that losing her brother “doesn’t feel real”.

Hayley said that Mr Notaro was great with children, particularly with her five-year-old daughter Eve.

Jay's younger sister Hayley spoke at the memorial service. Picture: QPS

“He was so good with children and it’s just such a shame he didn’t get to be a father, because he would have made a wonderful dad,” Hayley said.

“I think we can all agree that Jay was the best godfather and uncle ever.”

Mr Notaro was a godfather to eight children.

Hayley also said she gave birth to a baby boy two weeks ago, saying how Mr Notaro was “super excited” to meet his nephew.

“I feel heartbroken that my baby boy won’t get to meet his incredible uncle,” she said.

“But I will do my best to keep his name alive and we’ll talk about him often, share stories, show him videos, and tell him how much his Uncle Jay would have loved him.”

As Mr Notaro’s body was never found, mourners were invited to place a flower on one of his surfboards at the end of the service.

The search for his body was called off following a four-day multi-agency co-ordinated search.

A local search was ignited afterwards, however, was unable to bring answers for Mr Notaro’s loved ones.

Originally published as ‘Traumatic’: Missing cop’s final text message