Missing backpacker’s final text messages before vanishing
The final text messages a missing Belgium backpacker sent before he vanished on May 31 have been revealed after his family gained access to his Google account.
Theo Hayez, 18, disappeared after leaving The Cheeky Monkey nightclub in Byron Bay around 11pm.
Theo sent one Facebook message to a friend in French discussing an upcoming U2 Australian tour at 12:20am.
He sent his final message on WhatsApp to his stepsister in Belgium at 12:55am, a reply which read 'Merci' with a kiss emoji.
His cousin Micheal Dorkhom revealed to podcast The Lighthouse, that data showed Theo was using Google Maps to try and find his way back to his Belongil Beach hostel, Wake Up! the night he disappeared.
Google Timeline logs showed Theo walked away from the main street of town, turning from Johnson St down Kingsley St into a dark, quiet, residential area.
“This is already quite odd because he is someone who doesn't know the area well and he had only been there for a couple of days, why would he go that way?” Michael said on the podcast.
Theo made his way through more residential streets, before arriving at the Milne Track, which is an access track through bushland to Tallows Beach.
Theo followed the Milne Track and battled through thick bushland at midnight before reaching the sand at Tallows.
His phone signal shut off when he reached Cozy Corner at the northern end of Tallows beneath the cliff under the lighthouse
A red line on his data track also suggests Theo had been running from the Recreational Grounds all the way to Cozy Corner.
His parents believe Theo had to be with someone who knew the area, as the track he took was isolated and not easily accessible.
“We believe that Theo was not alone on the night that he disappeared and that sooner or later somebody must speak out,’ his parents told The Australian in a joint statement.
The official search effort for Theo ended in September, with the only evidence found being the grey Puma cap he was wearing on the night he disappeared.
“We will not give up until we know what happened to Theo,” his parents said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
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