Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez (18) has been missing in Byron Bay, Australia since May 31, 2019.
He was reported missing after he failed to return to the hostel where he was staying. Unfortunately, his disappearance was not reported to police for five days.
Theo was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey’s bar about 11:00pm on May 31, wearing a black hooded jumper, beige pants and black shoes.
He was active on WhatsApp in the early hours of June 1, but has not been heard from since.
His father has traveled to Australia to search for his son and has been pleading with WhatsApp to release Theo’s last communications, in the hope that they can shed some light on his last moments.
Timeline of Theo’s Disappearance:
May 31st 7.45pm: Theo Hayez and an unnamed friend were caught on CCTV camera at a local bottle shop in Byron Bay.
May 31st 11pm: The last confirmed sighting of Hayez. He was spotted leaving the Cheeky Monkey bar and appeared to be heading in the direction of the WakeUp! Backpacker hostel where he was staying.
June 1st 1AM: The last confirmed WhatsApp message was sent from Theo’s phone.
June 1st 1:42pm: Theo’s phone pinged for the last time.
June 6th: Theo was reported missing to local police .
June 9th: Police conducted a major land, sea and air search in the Byron Bay area with the assistance of rescue officers, the State Emergency Service, a lifesaver helicopter and lifesavers.
June 10th: Locals and other backpackers joined in the search for Theo.
June 10th-June 16th: SES crews, the dog squad, lifeguards, local volunteers and police are continuing to search the Byron Bay headlands, east and north of the town, as well as beaches and swamps.
June 16th: Theo’s mother Vinciane Delforge, told a French broadcaster in Belgium she is holding out hope her son is safe and well, but said his disappearance is entirely out of character.
June 17th: Homicide detectives join in on the search for Theo. Theo’s father Laurent Hayez travels to Byron Bay to help search for his son Theo. He makes an emotional plea asking Australia to keep looking for his son and vows to stay in the country until he is found.
Police confess they are still ‘baffled’ by the case, and are keeping all lines of inquiry open.
Theo’s Social Media Links:
Theo’s Facebook page
Source List –
Belgian Backpacker Theo Hayez reported missing after failure to check out of Byron Bay hostel
Isn’t WhatsApp owned by Facebook? Good luck, Dad. 😞