The disappearance of a Belgian backpacker three years ago in Australia remains a mystery after an inquest was unable to provide an explanation.
Theo Hayez, 18, is likely to have died soon after leaving a nightclub in Byron Bay, New South Wales on 31 May 2019, a coroner ruled.
However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude how the teenager died, amid suggestions he could have suffered a fatal accident or was killed by others.
New South Wales coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said there was no reason for Mr Hayez to intentionally vanish and ruled suicide as “highly unlikely”.
But she was unable to draw a definitive conclusion – leaving family members without answers.
One theory put forward at the inquest suggested Mr Hayez had a fatal accident as he tried to climb towards a lighthouse at tourist hotspot Byron Bay.
Another theory pointed to other people killing the teenager and disposing of his body.
Ms O’Sullivan said: “Sadly, there is just insufficient evidence before me to substantiate or exclude either theory.”
Mr Hayez’s godfather, Jean-Philippe Pector, told reporters outside Byron Bay Court House that the family hoped the “main question” would one day be answered.
“It’s obviously a tough moment because it’s the end of a tough process,” he said.
“But I think it’s best that the case remains open, allowing new evidence to come forward.”
Search launched as father feared son was in ‘grave danger’
Mr Hayez was preparing to return to Belgium after travelling around Australia for eight months when he went missing.
He was last seen at around 11pm leaving the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub in Byron Bay.
The alarm was raised six days after he failed to return to his hostel and could not be contacted.
A search was launched but authorities could only find a hat they believe was owned by Mr Hayez.
A 500,000 Australian dollar (£278,000) reward for information failed to shed light on the disappearance.
Theo Hayez had been due to return to Belgium when he disappeared. Pic: Tweed-Byron Police District
Mr Hayez’s father, Laurent, broke down in tears during an appeal as he described fears his son was in “grave danger”.
He told reporters: “I promised Theo’s little brother, Lucas, that I would bring his brother home.
“Please help me keep my promise to him.”
The coroner paid tribute to Mr Hayez, telling the court: “It is obvious from the evidence he had a bright future ahead of him.
“I hope if there is any further information to be known, the reward would provide a motivation to come forward.”
