Belgian Tourist in Australia Disappears After Bar Ejection | Theo Hayez Case Analysis

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Theo Hayez?
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[@55bigcheese]

Thei may have had his drink spiked at Cheeky Monkeys, this was happening a lot in Australia at the time. That would explain why he appeared “drunk” after only 2 beers, and why he walked the wrong way to go home, also why he would have appeared vulnerable and easy prey to muggers at the Tennis Courts. Theo never walked on from the tennis courts, only his phone and hat did i think, taken by someone else.

[@MrsRitchieBlackmore]

Interesting theory!

[@murphychurch8251]

Indeed! There must have been something going on with a spiked drink. How awful to think that he may have gotten his drink spiked, then the bouncers were making things even worse blaming him for being to intoxicated and kicking him out. Whatever happened from this point on, it's horrible. My sister once had a drink spiked, luckily her best friend cared and brought her home at least (hospital would have been better though). She was miserable the whole next day, but when she told me about it I freaked out at the thought what could have have happened to her. If there had been any way to find out the identity of that filthy scum of an existence who did this, I'd wish to beat the snot out of them. Such a despicable method to render your victim unable to defend themselves by spiking a drink.

[@rambling964]

That would require the phone thief to also enjoy watching Belgium comedy shows, which seems unlikely. Don't forget he made all those texts to friends and family _after_ he reached the beach.

[@juliestrom412]

I thought that right away too! 👍

[@MaKeUpUrWoRlD98]

Many people also “pregame” or use other drugs before or at bars. Him having only 2 beers there doesn’t tell me he was only 2 drinks in.

[@lancel71]

My dad always told me "Son, stay out of bars, they are full of lonely people and trouble" Unfortunately, I learned firsthand that he was absolutely correct!

[@kristoffseisler2163]

But boy did Theo not expect to become this lonely

[@Ellewatch-y3j]

Your Dad has a point. How often do we hear a person goes missing after leaving a bar and often end up dead. Very often.

[@M49-x9k]

As an Aussie I have holidayed in Bryon Bay many times it’s one of my fav places. It’s tragic that this kid came to his end in such unusual circumstances and God Bless his poor family I can’t imagine the pain they are in. I think you are right doctor I think he had an accident the rips there are wild and Theo probably died at sea. RIP THEO❤

[@jessovenden]

I agree. And getting stoned at Byron is almost a tradition by now. Oh his poor family, and his friends. So bloody young 😢

[@LilyAmongThorns]

I agree with you, and with Dr. Grande. I think somehow in his misadventures he ended up in the ocean, whether by accident or by deliberately wanting to feel the excitement of swimming in the beautiful water that might have beckoned to him if he indeed was in a drug induced state. Very sad for his mom and brother.

[@xminusone1]

I didn't get there. I've pretty much travelled over the world but never go to Australia or New Zealand. I wish to go there next year. It looks like a very beautiful place. I also think the Australian accent is very pleasant and easy to understand.

[@xminusone1]

@@LilyAmongThorns Maybe he didn't feel the full effect yet and decided to go swimming then was suddenly too intoxicated to do anything and drowned.

[@gergelyovics]

Is that opinion based on your personal experience with Bryon Bay? Don't you think it's a bit of bias?

[@anditheeartist]

As someone who is a solo traveler, it can get dangerous real fast for a tourist. There is some times this arrogance that, 'OH I'm going to be okay. I know what I'm doing.' That attitude leads people into trouble fast! There one time I got drunk in Greece, thank Goodness I had some new friends, from the hostel I was at, that night. Decided on my own that I should walk off the drinks. Fell on the ground and started bleeding like crazy. Got lifted up, bandaged and tucked into bed by some friends, that came looking for me. I could have easily been taken advantage and hurt in that short time. After that I never had more than two drinks while traveling. Thankfully I learned that lesson and lived to tell the tale.

[@braindeadbogan9272]

You make it sound like you cut an artery or something 😅

[@bluecoffee8414]

So true. In retrospect I've done some seriously reckless stuff while traveling solo. Live and learn (usually)

[@saharagold]

Greece is relatively safe compared to Australia in my opinion.

[@Lucy-mf5gk]

Foul play, not misadventure seems more obvious.

[@rickdaniels1000]

Yeh cool story

[@thebrighteric5530]

I am Australian has nothing to do with being intoxicated it's usually always a power trip on the bouncers behalf...

[@Dare_2_Dance]

Exactly but puts young lives at risk like this, they have literally put a young person on the street on their own at night. Separated from his friends who are still in the bar he was young, alone and didn't know the area well otherwise he wouldn't be using maps at midnight to try and navigate his way around. This breaks my heart poor lad 💔

[@Ellewatch-y3j]

Unbelievable that a person who is perceived as compromised by liquor would be turned out onto the street to fend for themselves!

[@rickdaniels1000]

@@Ellewatch-y3jyep but removes liability for the venue. Bouncers are instructed to throw out anyone who looks even remotely intoxicated.

[@Ellewatch-y3j]

@@rickdaniels1000 At the very least, the venue should coordinate an Uber or taxi. Especially if they believe the person is compromised.

[@heyjude2505]

Thank you for covering this story. I'm an Aussie, living in Brisbane. I often think of Theo. I have holidayed a few times in Bryon Bay, it's a beautiful part of the world. It's the most Eastern part of Australia., therefore very popular for backpackers to sit up at the lighthouse and watch the sun come up, you see them huddled under blankets, strumming guitar, passing time waiting for the sunrise. My theory is that Theo either 1. Climbed the headland to catch the sunrise, and fell. or 2. Took a swim and got swept out to sea, but I don't know, in May it would have been cold and there are no lights on Tallow Beach/Cosy Corner, I don't know what the moon light would have been like on that night, but it would be pretty dark. I've sat on Clarkes beach Bryon Bay (the other side of the headland) at night and you can't see 2 feet in front of you. Either way, t's just heartbreakig. My condelences to Theo's family. x

[@LilyAmongThorns]

Yes, if he was under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug a swim might have seemed very enticing to him, even fully clothed because you stop thinking rationally and his actions of that night did not seem to follow any kind of logical reasoning yet he was never under stress. Condolences to his family.

[@john-paulsilke893]

He could have stripped and some people from the homeless encampment may have collected his things before the search found them. Also explains the phone still working for many hours after. They had nowhere to charge and possibly tried to reset it only to find it’s menus full of a language they didn’t understand and so discarded it when it died.

[@kla631]

If he fell in the water or decided to take a swim, he either was swept out to sea or encountered a shark who mistook him for a fish and decided a meal is a meal. Or any other predatory sea creature, perhaps a saltwater crocodile?

[@bingonamo7520]

@@kla631 Lol, they don't have saltwater crocodiles that far South. That only happens in Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. Byron Bay is known for it's huge pods of dolphins.

[@bingonamo7520]

I totally agree Jude. I think he just got high, fell off a cliff or swam and drowned. I've only seen dolphins there but I'm guessing they also have sharks. Didn't know there was a tent city, I'm guessing they're the feral people from Nimbin? Surprised they would allow a tent city for even one night as that's bad for tourism.

[@carvercapitalequitypartner122]

This is a tragic story that was on Australian 60 Minutes. Thanks for doing this one ear-to-the-ground Dr. Grande.

[@johngreydanus2033]

Yes, they went into it in great details with many experts but no conclusions.

[@sandy4498]

I saw that episode

[@cobar5342]

As an Australian I am baffled by this story. To be removed from a bar one would think that he was more than intoxicated. Perhaps other substances were involved. Byron Bay is a quite up-market holiday destination. In my view there is more at play than we can deduce.

[@hmmmph3578]

I'm Australian too. I agree. Apparently there was a new alcohol compliance officer in the area and the bouncer was playing it safe.

[@greghii8093]

@Joan In Florida this is by far the most logical conclusion. This is what should have been said in this video.

[@dougrogan379]

I'm Australian too and you get bouncers on power trips that'll kick you out just coz they can, on power trips

[@u-neekusername4430]

@Joan In Florida sounds logical to me. You've got to get real pissed (drunk) before you're thrown out of any bar in Oz or NZ OR start a fight or get caught with drugs.

[@The_Crusty_Old_Hag_Next_Door]

@Joan In Florida if it were an accident & he fell into the water no he wouldn’t have been found there are rips in the water the current that night would have swept his body out to sea. It also took days for him to be reported missing no chance his body would be still floating in the same place.

[@milesjcarter]

From experiences backpacking your theory of what most likely happening I can totally believe, had a very similar experience in NZ following someone to a party that wasn't happening, decided to try to cut through some bush to get back to the hostel also but there weren't any cliffs around there. Multiple other times stranded and drunk I did stupid stuff, once while in BC I took a shortcut through a train depot without realising and had a security guard chasing me, another time I was lost and tired wandering around and got rounded up by the cops and put in the drunk tank. Think being in a strange town, being intoxicated and lost and being an adventurous backpacker is a dangerous combination.

[@bthomson]

Why do I think that ONE of those experiences would have been enough for me?

[@xminusone1]

@@bthomson I don't know for you but it did happened to me more than once. The only place I was more carful was when I worked in Russia for 2 years. I got drunk in a nightclub in ekaterinburg. It wasn't bad because I was near the appartement I was living in. It was back in 2001 to 2003.

[@bthomson]

Glad you were lucky!🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@Iittleblackchook]

It is believed by locals there is one or more serial killers operating in or around Byron Bay. I think they are correct. This has happened before. Many people over the last twenty years or so have also mysteriously vanished. I believe Theo just happened upon the wrong person or people. I do not believe he wanted a new life. It’s a rough place to be lost or impaired, yet unlikely to be suicidal nor accidental either, as the area is heavily inhabited and he was not found. Thank you Dr Grande. Your impartial yet observational views are always a comfort in a seemingly crazy old world.

[@xminusone1]

I've heard about this in another channel video. Alot of people disappeared from this place. But it seems to be a beautiful and fun place to go. Also many places are dangerous when you're intoxicated. I lived in Russia for 2 years and was intoxicated in ekaterinburg once. It wasn't scary but I was near from the block I lived in. I wouldn't wanted to be too far away, especially in a foreign country.

[@behemothsbaby]

Do you have any sources to back that up?

[@behemothsbaby]

@paleolithictech , similar to Milat or killers that have never been found?

[@Iittleblackchook]

@@behemothsbaby yes. It’s been newsworthy for 20 years. You can look it up.

[@AlineBooneMusic]

I've heard this too! Wasn't there also an instance where they found a young woman's (also missing/dead? Didn't they find remains in the bushland?) luggage in some abbandoned building? Strange things going on there..expecially considering these aren't enormous cities.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Thanks! This is definitely more “intriguing than a bar that does not permit intoxication.”😁 Maybe if they did permit intoxication, the outcome of this sad story would have been different. Thank you for the review, Dr. Grande.❤️

[@bthomson]

So Rejane is this a trolling scam?

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@bthomson It is, that’s the second one today.🤦🏻‍♀️

[@alexandervosteen5986]

Thank you, as always for your indefatigable contribution to KZbin. God bless and look out for yourself, Doc.

[@felbicky6333]

Thanks for the new word

[@hmmmph3578]

Thanks for this, Dr Grande. I am Australian. This is a heartbreaking story. I feel for the boy's family. Perhaps he was already stoned when he entered the bar. The law here is that when someone seems intoxicated, bar personnel are not allowed to serve them more alcohol.

[@samjam2376]

The same is true here (Indiana, USA). By law or by policy , bars will stop serving patrons when they appear intoxicated.

[@tinabean713]

The same is true in Texas, USA, and it's part of your license to even serve alcohol as a waiter/waitress but I've only seen it enforced in bars when a patron is beyond the legal limit and causing a problem.

[@Hellomishkaa]

We are in Australia too. My hubby once got kicked out of the bar for no apparent reason. He was there with his friends and only had 3 mid-strength beers. Some bouncers are dicks and they enjoy their power over people. Especially young guys like Theo.

[@AshleyCooperxo]

I was living in Byron when this happened, it’s absolutely tragic. The poor family. My heart completely breaks for them. 😢

[@troy3456789]

This is where I am on this. I am thinking how badly his family and friends must've been hurting, certainly they hurt still to this day.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

You're very kind. This sort of thing has happened to guys like Theo before. Leaving a group of people at night and dying near a body of water. Many similar mysteries.

[@bthomson]

The smiley face murders!

[@bingonamo7520]

I'm shocked at the authorities allowing a tent city, why have they done that? I assume they're the feral people from Nimbin?

[@mariagabrielle6383]

@@bingonamo7520 Have you been to California lately? It looks like a third world country. Let's go Brandon!

[@briobernd5768]

What about the witness testimony of the woman in a car, who may have seen the body of Théo Hayez two days after he disappeared? (The Brussels Times - Sunday, 8 December 2019)

[@jessovenden]

How sad. If I had to guess, poor Theo got stoned and went night-swimming. Whatever happened, my heart goes out to his family. Taking a gap year and travelling is a relatively old thing here, I did it myself over 40 years ago. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@JHjh88]

As a fellow Australians I share your sentiments. I really wish the authorities could've found some kind of answers for the family. I know if one goes into our particular type of surf that isn't always possible. Very sad 😞

[@TF80s]

Night swimming fully clothed?

[@jessovenden]

@@TF80s Good point! Maybe the poor young man did somehow fall .. I guess it’s unlikely that we’ll ever know for sure. I do think that some sort of sad, sad accident is by far the most likely answer. If there’s any evidence whatsoever of foul play, I’d hope that we’d know more by now. And if someone harmed this kid, well I don’t believe in capital punishment. I don’t think any government should have the right to kill. But in theory I’d personally murder anyone who kills kids or women or… in a heartbeat. Allegedly.

[@LilyAmongThorns]

@@TF80s possible, especially if under the influence of hallucinogenics

[@HumanimalChannel]

Nope. He was killed.

[@stevenponte6655]

This one really hit home for me, having stayed at that same hostel, gone to same bottle shop next door (where Theo was captured on cc tv) and walked to same bar many times and never ever left sober.The area between the bar and hostel is so busy and safe. I also wondered whether he maybe met someone offering drugs in the bar, and maybe left with them to look for more or something like that. Its pretty tough to get kicked out of that place, so maybe he was more high than drunk. And yes the cliffs around the lighthouse are very dangerous.

[@pwallace5359]

It’s interesting to hear your point of view. What do you think happened to him?

[@dianemorton2222]

I think he fèll off a cliff. This is so sad.

[@Big_Tex]

“I’m certain I know how to pronounce ‘hostel’ “. “Dr Grande pronounces it differently.” “🤨 …. 😞”

[@nhmooytis7058]

I forgave him because he pronounced Brisbane right! 😊

[@montehurd]

being a cheeky monkey at the hoss tell

[@StaceyEldridge]

It's just his American accent. Haven't you ever heard an American accent before? 🙂

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@StaceyEldridge ahem us Yanks don’t have accents everyone else does!

[@ignatius1681]

@@nhmooytis7058Whenever I want to listen to news in English, the US is the first accent I avoid. It's like hearing the newsreaders in North Korea, loud and exaggerated. I guess we like it more calmly in Scandinavia :)

[@joan-lisa-smith]

Wait....hoss-tell? I have never heard it pronounced this way in my 55 years, I never knew it could be, I am amused and confused.

[@aliciagriggs8531]

A place where horses stay

[@northerngirl1637]

I know. I kept thinking " is this an aussie pronunciation?" Very strange.

[@patriciaberry2308]

Aussies do pronounce hostel as host /elle . It's weird but Dr G is right as usual .

[@wmluna381]

@@patriciaberry2308 Ok, now that makes more sense.

[@kg6801]

@@patriciaberry2308 I've lived in Australia for 50 years and have only ever heard it pronounced HOSS tle (a bit like gospel) here, but certainly different areas in Australia, let alone different countries and different accents, can have different pronunciations of many words. I'm not sure this one's much different from locals saying kanga ROO and Americans saying KANgaroo

[@DominicFlynn]

Probably just went for a drunk/drugged swim and drowned. Pretty common demise for young drunk people around water.

[@DominicFlynn]

@@cht2162 puts phone on beach. Goes for a swim and drowns. High tide comes and takes his phone.

[@nickyblue4866]

@@DominicFlynn that makes sense...

[@DominicFlynn]

@@cht2162 more likely to be struck by lightning. Drowning happens every day.

[@TheEldritchArchives]

In Australia alcohol is quite expensive so often people without a lot of money will do something called "pre-loading" or "pre-drinks" where they buy cheap alcohol and get drunk before they go to a bar. Backpackers often do this because they dont have much money. Its entirely possible Theo was already drunk when he got to the bar.

[@judyjudy51]

Very sad story- I live in this area and Theo’s family have been well loved supported by the community

[@richinderbyshire4779]

Bouncers are often bored and like to pick on someone, anyone, just to give them something to do. They are usually small-man-syndromes who couldn't get into the army or the police because of their little short-comings. They are very angry about that so they take it out on tall men. Theo didn't seem like a trouble causer. They would have just targeted him, threw him out for a made-up reason, felt better about themselves and continued to spot another tall man who might be having a too good a time...

[@eadweard.]

These are just your own personal resentments.

[@richinderbyshire4779]

@@eadweard. Yes, and personal experiences and studying psychology for 20 years.

[@richinderbyshire4779]

@@eadweard. Its funny how I point out some people's (some bouncers) resentments and I get told that I'm resentful :D Us tall men don't resent. We laugh at small-man-syndromes short-comings... No doubt Ill be muted, as usual.

[@aliciagriggs8531]

Too many unanswered questions. He could have been drugged at the bar and that's why he seemed overly intoxicated. But in that case we would have to know what his answered messages said. He could have picked up somebody (and purchased drugs) in the bad part of town, who ended up killing him.

[@55bigcheese]

Yes. Drink spiking was common at that time in australia usually with rohypnol and that may explain why he walked the wrong way. He may have been attacked at the tennis courts just because he looked like vulnerable prey, a stumbling alone youth at night. And perhaps he never walked off from there, 7 minutes is enough time to punch someone out, steal their mobile and wallet and hat, and run off with them to the bush, leaving theo behind. Some one else hid the body

[@skunkrat01]

Every summer we have ads about not going swimming while drunk/on substances. I wonder if that message is adequately sent out to backpackers? I mean it's not like 100% of Aussies absolutely stick to that, maybe we should look at more warnings in hostels?? I don't know, I'm just spitballing. It's not just drunk swimming either, Bondi beach has incredible rips that even lifelong surfers can get caught up in. Classic Aussie tourism pitch "wow our beaches are so much beachier than other beaches" (which ngl our country is gorgeous) but we should work on effective communication of water dangers.

[@gooraway1]

I believe drugs were at the bottom of all of this. If his drink was spiked or he consumed drugs before going to the bar he may have attracted the bouncers attention by being overly aggressive or showing signs of being very drunk. His decisions from there continue to be so influenced

[@supergran62]

Is is a bit disingenuous to say that “bars don’t permit intoxication” Under Australian law or is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who displays any sign of being intoxicated and you can be fined for serving someone who has had ‘enough’ Once someone reaches an state where they are displaying outward signs of intoxication, slurred words, staggering etc, they are ‘cut off’. All establishments must have at least one staff member who has must an RSA license (Responsible Service of Alcohol). I postulate that he may have been mixing his drugs or been slipped a Mickey to have had outward appearance of being under the influence after only 2 drinks.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Oh really? Is that why Aussies go to Bali, get drunk and act like baboons? 😂

[@stevenponte6655]

@@nhmooytis7058 we, i mean they, start on the flight! ;)

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@stevenponte6655 Jetstar? That’s how I got there 😊

[@cats.addict6457]

Dr Grande, as you analysed the case from a Belge person disappearing far from home, I was wondering if you would not mind to treat another similar case, as a matter of fact an even more mysterious case, it's the disappearance of a german young man called LARS MITTANK. It is one of the most mysterious and inexplicable story I ever heard, it happened in 2014 in Bulgaria and as off today it's not been solved, the chances are it could never be!!! thanks a lot

[@lizzylou36]

I think he already did that story about a year ago. 😉

[@bthomson]

He did.

[@cats.addict6457]

@@bthomson oh he did, then i have to watch it... tks a lot

[@SeaBlue1976]

I ve seen so many back packer's csses in Australia R.I.P , Good morning from Greece 💙

[@katiekarakondis3348]

Kalimera 🇬🇷

[@thjonez]

by separating the young from the herd the bouncers indirectly killed him..

[@siouxd799]

I would say Theo and his Backpacker mates were drinking well before they got to the bar. (I have met many backpackers who were so thrifty they could turn one can of beans into breakfast, Lunch& Dinner with a loaf of bread some eggs and some greens) Backpackers don’t usually spend excessive money on drinks at hotels; they can sit on a drink for hours unless someone is shouting or the beer is free!! To me that explains the possibility of him being thrown out earlier than his mates. He may have gone to the camp to find pot or trips and I believe he would have found someone else to go in an adventure there with him to Tallow Beach, explaining why he knew the short cut. Maybe that person left after they found out there was no party that night and Theo was left to navigate his way home with only the moon above him and the waves to his right. The terrain is rough and would be thick with undergrowth and with his impairment of Tripping or being Stoned signed his death. Thanks Doctor for all of your interesting content 🇦🇺

[@erinpascarella7223]

I'm from Wisconsin and have traveled all over the world. I've been to Byron Bay and partied HARD at Cheekie Monkies. This was back in 2003 or 04. They welcomed ppl to party and spend money. The only time ppl were kicked out is if the were disrectful to the bar or the women. I think there's more to that mystery lol

[@protectyourself33]

If he wasn't priming I find it super weird that after two drinks he was kicked out. Also don't know how I feel about the fact that you can get cut off at one bar and you can't go to any other bar after. What exactly did he do to justify that. I bartend in the states. I've seen some crazy stuff, but it's super hard to get a lifetime ban from one bar. Much less get kicked out of every bar in an area because you possibly just offended some bouncer? He probably just got swept out to sea while swimming. But I find the way he was treated in the bars to be questionable.

[@carriefawcett9990]

I have an Irish mate who lived on the fringes of Byron Bay in the homeless parts with others. He said it was terrifying at first, and even a big, tall guy like him was constantly looking over his shoulder.

[@saharagold]

Much like in a few countries, when you venture into towns and around there into the hills, you found these strange hillbilly weirdo types. Some are really whacko.

[@AnonymousQwerty]

I thoroughly enjoyed the visuals in this video. Many of us are visual learners. Thank you for including them Doc!

[@dawnjohnston7024]

I agree with a couple other Dr. G fans When vacationing in Hawaii, what did I do besides all the regular fun stuff? I went to the 2nd hand shop and the seedy areas… where the real ppl live. To really get the feel for a place you must experience the full flavor of the locals. The beauty of life is in the art of survival… Thank you!

[@RachaelClag]

Whether he was with someone or not the path would have had a sign saying, "To Beach". The homeless person would probably have had a camp fire which could be easily seen and avoided. Also, many people sleep in the dunes around Byron Bay especially at night. I would say he bought some pot, went down to the beach to have a smoke and use his phone. It gets very windy down on the beach so the back and forth in the scrub was probably him looking for a sheltered spot to light a joint. The rock he sat on would have given him a nice view of the waves while he had a smoke. Then, being slightly intoxicated, he could easily have misjudged his capabilities to make it across the rocks and up the cliff to get back to the road. I have made the same mistake myself in daylight after a couple of beers. There are little paths everywhere that look like a way up but most end at a vertical or dangerously crumbling rock face. Overconfidence leads to attempting to climb and often falling. I've fallen a few metres onto rocks and hurt myself and my pride quite badly. I can easily imagine Theo doing the same thing but at that point of the Byron Coast the fall would be straight into huge waves beating on sharp rocks. As it is the eastern most point of Australia, his body could have been washed into the middle of the Pacific. More likely it would be scavenged by sharks etc before floating far! I've always wondered why people think this one is a mystery. Seems almost inevitable that it happened to someone imho!

[@TrustMe55]

He looked a lot like his godfather

[@stevenwest000]

Dr Grande, why don’t you popularise the term “cheeky monkey” in the US?! It’s really weird that he was ejected from the bar for “approaching intoxication”. Like you said, is that not the purpose of bars? There were no reports of him behaving badly so I really don’t understand this. Very sad. Sounds like he was brought up in a very nice, loving family, from the available facts.

[@rainbows_trees_clouds_dais1766]

It’s unfortunate. People do get kicked out of bars in Australia… And Byron Bay it’s the worst. Ie it’s more if you’re not fitting the imagine sometimes. I’m a female and I wore a particularly kind of conservative outfit to a wedding at Bryon. So a very different vibe to Byron. And I was not allowed into a bar, when ALL my friend from the same wedding were allowed in (we were entering together)…. Because I was “too drunk”. I’d only had two drinks at the wedding over a space of four or five hours. And when I questioned (I was so confused/had been in the bar other times when I’d holidayed there… but dressed in my regular clothes/much “cooler” than my pink frilly wedding outfit), they said the fact that I questioned showed that I was drunk (?!). So of course no one wanted to leave me outside/everyone was so confused … and all we kept getting was “she’d drunk. She’s not going in” - haha. So they let 15 people (my friends) leave … so 15 paying customers. They are power trippers. All the poor guy had to do was trip on something or dance weirdly by himself and if didn’t look right, they’d easily kick him out. Especially if he was confused (like I was) and asked why.

[@LDiamondz]

The term cheeky monkey has been well known in the US for many, many decades.

[@LDiamondz]

@Joan In Florida Most people know what the term means and that it's a UK/British thing. It doesn't bother me, as it's not a race thing.

[@fluffgirl1000]

If only they had kept him in the bar ..so he could go home with the others

[@JasmineHoltze]

Thank you for covering this case. I have been following this closely. I am an Aussie and I have felt so horrible about this whole case.

[@privard89]

I don't understand why he would have turned off his gps at that time. Makes me feel like something was shady or maybe someone found the phone after he died

[@nickyblue4866]

Yea... that part is weird.... altho maybe his battery was low and he wanted to conserve power by turning off stuff like GPS. Altho the phone pinged for another 12 hours... so maybe not... plus he was watching videos and messaging...

[@lcampbell9837]

@@nickyblue4866 he may not have been watching those videos, but maybe someone figured out where those videos were on his phone and decided to open them, to throw potential detectives off. That's unless Theo had a security code to get into his phone. I do wonder about that. As for the Jackson Stacker case, maybe the councils also need to put cameras near rest spots/toilets too.

[@Husky-Raccoon]

I am a huge fan and Patreon, and this weekend I watched several YT videos about Theo! What a strange coincidence. Such a bizarre, sad, story. Thank you for your video on what may have happened.

[@cats.addict6457]

Oh then if u dont mind I have a question regarding Patreon... I checked and I would like to know if I understood correctly that you join and pay a monthly subscription/support for the KZbinr you are fan of?... my question is does it mean that if you follow through Patreon, you pay for each KZbinrs individually? I think so but it would be nice if you could confirm to me... In the meantime have a great day and thanks a lot

[@Husky-Raccoon]

@@cats.addict6457 hello 👋 ! Correct. So I pay only $5 a month and get basically a whole other Dr. Grande channel with tons of other cool videos. Some of the videos are personal and he talks about who he is as a person, and they’re really cool IMHI. I hope that’s helpful. Also, I have 3 kitties! A big kitty and 2 kittens. 🙂

[@cats.addict6457]

@@Husky-Raccoon Thanks a lot for your kind reply... I used to have up to 7 kitties at once, they slowly passed away du to age but I still have a little princess called Tempy. I said little but she is 13 years old already, however she was born tiny and stayed that way, making her extremely cute 😻😻😻

[@TheDramacist]

Having backpacked Australia and specifically Byron Bay, it had quite a drug and weed issue. I'd say he was at Cosy Corner to smoke weed, as the hostels are super strict about drug use on-site. Weed + skinny dip = drowning. The phone was likely put down, hence it pinged until it went dead or someone found it and kept it for themselves.

[@kienle9170]

How would he know the way he took to the beach? Seem very unreasonable for someone to try and swim when it's that dark

[@lcampbell9837]

@@kienle9170 I reckon someone went with him down to the beach. Some people just don't think re. swimming at night.

[@lcampbell9837]

I would have thought if someone had taken his phone, they would have thought about using it at the time, but maybe they had 2nd thoughts. When all this happened it was a Friday night so I kind of find it hard to believe nobody was down at Cosy Corner that night. I wonder exactly where that tent city is, so I can avoid it if and when I next go to Byron.

[@niccolomachiavelli3095]

I'm from Belgium. Sad story....thks 4 the video. Very interesting, like always 👌

[@hinterlandobserver8648]

Local here. It’s not likely Theo knew the area near the cricket nets at the REC grounds was a “bad part of town” (really it’s just a central patch of scrub where some of the parkies camp and local kids hang out and huff nangs). Likely he was cutting through there on his way back to the hostel before being meeting an opportunistic individual who coerced him to join them to go to cosy corner. His phone usage shows he only used his torch once, while stationary for a few minutes before travelling through the bush (where he lost his hat) to the beach. I’ve walked through there and 100% believe he lost his hat because he didn’t see the drop in terrain when he was trying to catch up to people ahead of him. Heaps of people do go missing here but most are found. Some do believe there’s a serial killer but in all honesty there just lots of bad people who do bad things. The local police write most of the strange cases of people who are found deceased as suicide so they don’t have to follow it up or get bad media about how lax they are. Theo just crossed paths with the wrong person and whether intentionally or not, probably died because of them.

[@jamaaldavis6243]

Dr. Grande! Would you consider making a video on the disappearance of Timmothy Pitzen? His mother, Amy Fry-Pitzen kidnapped Timmothy from his father back in 2011, before ending her own life. Shortly before she died she told Timmothy’s father that he was alive and safe, but would never be found. Timmothy still remains missing.

[@lizzylou36]

That's such a sad story. I can't even imagine what that dad is going through year after year. I'd probably try to believe he was safe somewhere like mom said, just so I could proceed with life.

[@salmonjanet]

I thought he had done one on him. Years ago. I may be wrong. I watch a lot of true crime, so I may be mistaken.

[@jamaaldavis6243]

@@salmonjanet He hadn’t at the time of me making this post, but funny enough he made one the next day after I posted this comment! So I guess he acknowledged my request haha

[@reinadegrillos]

I think his remains will one day be found in the bush. There is a giant part of the place very difficult to explore. For me, his death was a misfortune because he likely was drunk and also may had drugs in his system. Disoriented and vulnerable, he died somewhere inland.

[@freethinker1551]

The beaches around the cliffs off Byron bay have no shark nets and huge great white sharks. What’s also interesting to note is days following his disappearance, a group of people went to perform a spiritual ceremony and witnesses there said there was a full rainbow out at sea and a humpback whale breached right in the middle of it. I’m a spiritual person and to me that was a sign from Theo saying he was at peace. 🌈🐋🙏🏼

[@Cyber_Kati_6744]

Bravo Dr. Grande! 👏👏👏👏👏 Tysvm for all of your hard work and intriguing case analysis! 🕊🤍🕊 Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🍬🎃👻🍬🎃

[@Swanky95472]

Hi Dr. grande, the Powerball is $1.2 billion and the draw is tonight so I bought five tickets. If I win I’m going to send you $20,000 as a thank you for all these videos!!!

[@Simonisms]

In Australia there are RSA(responsible service of alcohol) rules that state you can't serve alcohol to someone who is visibly drunk. The fines are huge and levied against the bar or server.

[@Erin-z4n]

There’s a difference between kicking someone out who can’t look after themselves versus serving them.

[@JHjh88]

Hello Dr Grande. As an Australian, drinking culture is basically our only culture. Heavy drinking & advertisement for alcohol is everywhere. As a teetotaler I'm considered the odd one! It beggars belief bouncers would toss add tourist out after three drinks! Something's not adding up. He was either inebriated due to some other factor combined with the alcohol or these were some very odd bouncers indeed. To be barred from any drinking establishment- let alone every other venue in the vicinity - is almost unheard of. I feel for this young man & his family 😞

[@PHlophe]

Jessi, on the plus side as a teetotaleuse, you are free from all types alcohol related diseases and you are forever the person in charge if driving everyone home,

[@bthomson]

Maybe a scam?

[@JHjh88]

@@bthomson I think it is a scam. That has popped up under some of the other KZbinrs I watch & to other ppl not just me 😣. Thanks 👍

[@JHjh88]

@@PHlophe Big plus about dodging the alcohol associated diseases - tough gig being a designated driver 😂👍

[@dogcat2994]

Thank you for promoting logic and critical thinking in your many videos of many different topics! Every little bit counts nowadays!

[@bthomson]

Yes! These videos promote common sense and logical thinking! Both needed in today's world!

[@kimmccabe1422]

To get kicked out of a bar in Australia isn't easy. It had to be beyond 'obnoxious drunk". An assault on a costumer or woman wld do it. His activities n route home after was troublesome...? I believe being kicked out of the bars he wasnt done partying and met the wrong person/ppl and followed them and the circumstances in the bush made foul play easy. Sad. Be safe!

[@MsFlutterby]

Thanks again Dr. Grande. Too many people just disappear, never to be found again. It has really made me suspicious of my surroundings whenever I am out in public. Love Dr. Grande's informative videos and sense of humor.

[@tommygoode9644]

This guy got killed by someone or a group of people who killed and stole from tourists. I find that the bar situation is a little weird. I wonder what other weirdos lurk in that town. This kid ran into the wrong people. The odds of him or his cellphone not being found after he fell is ridiculous. One of those things would have been recovered if it was misadventure. He got lured or jumped by the worst kind of person or people. Sad really. I'm not going there. I'll bet they all hate the backpackers. Good video. I give it two backpacks up. Nice job once again. I SHOULD be supporting you on Patreon with all these great videos.

[@heidif9623]

To answer the bar that doesn’t allow intoxication - the reason is Australia has strict lock out laws for intoxication. If you are too drunk, alcohol servers must stop serving you. To serve alcohol you need a license (a very short course) and part of that license required responsible service of alcohol. I believe these came about to help stem alcohol violence etc. ps we still have a VERY very very relaxed tolerance to excessive alcohol consumption in Australia. We do like our booze over here!

[@tessajones9393]

Cheeky monkeys is/was loose though like many backpackers bars. RSA isn't what it stands for it's b.s. in this country. I mean, look at the Melbourne cup lol those people kept getting served haha

[@kevinc809]

Young people who obtain this type of visa are often referred to as backpackers. Classic Dr G.

[@RealmCenter40]

Grande burnin’ the midnight oil again. The late night videos need to be accompanied with a cocktail, my man.

[@MrsRitchieBlackmore]

Dr. Grande, my fellow EST night 🦉! 🙌

[@lazyfrogonalog]

I don't find it odd that Theo was kicked out of the club. His behavior may have just concerned a bouncer and they kicked him out just in case he was drunk, to protect their license. He was probably happy but alone and wanted to keep partying. He wandered toward the beach for a pleasant walk home. I doubt he was buying drugs, I think it is more likely he got talking to a homeless itinerant who probably told him about the parties that sometimes happen at the other beach. They may have taken him down there but when they got to the beach, there was no party. Theo probably decided to stay down there and lost his life in an accident. He had turned the tracking off his mobile phone to save battery life and if he had fallen the phone either went in the water or the battery died and was never found due to the terrain. All the talk about people harming him is unlikely and I just feel so sorry for the family who are thinking foul play happened to their loved one.

[@brendashenda4249]

Why can't anyone even entertain the notion that he wasn't the one with the phone after the fields?

[@vahes647]

Dr. Grande, please cover Ani Ashekian case,,,

[@moonstruck562]

Hi Vahe. You sound Armenian, so am I btw🙋🏻‍♀️😁. Nice to ran into another Armenian Dr. Grande fan :) Who is (or was) she? Never heard of her.

[@nhmooytis7058]

The number of backpackers who meet bad ends is considerable, often due to bad judgment . And to be so obnoxious you get tossed out of an Aussie bar takes work.

[@rickdaniels1000]

You don’t get out much, do you?

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@rickdaniels1000 I lived in Sydney for 3 years. How long have you been trolling for pay?

[@rickdaniels1000]

@@nhmooytis7058 about as long as it will take you to save a deposit on a 1 bedroom unit in mount druit with no parking 😂

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@rickdaniels1000 I’m single, for 3 1/2 years I rented a big room I used as a bedroom and office, with shared living room and eat-in kitchen, big back yard, on a lovely tree shaded street in Ashfield near the mall and train station for $1000 a month. No deposit. 2 nice housemates, an Indian IT consultant and a Vietnamese chef. Landlady was Vietnamese and a public health consultant in Canberra. PS parking in front of the house 😁

[@rickdaniels1000]

@@nhmooytis7058 sounds like the life of a broke person haha

[@TheAllianceEnt]

Never heard Hostel pronounced that way Doc.

[@wmluna381]

I knew someone who was a medical doctor and in social situations they would pronounce the word meme as mem. No one corrected them or asked if it was indeed one or the other for clarification. Made me wonder if I was pronouncing/reading it wrong the whole time or if everyone was just being super polite. 😄

[@TheAllianceEnt]

@@wmluna381 right. When I heard him say it, I was questioning myself lol

[@YoutubeTravelerSoloVagabond]

Yah, im also a backpacker and i shudder to think what it must be like to die in a foreign country. Ive been to 33 countries in 36 months and am taking it slow and easy when it comes to risks.

[@dgmvs]

Nick Caves son Arthur took LSD in 2015 and decided to climb on a cliff. he died. so i think something like that happened here. death by misadventure.

[@fnuppyfnup]

Happened to me once, drank 4 small beers and had a blackout and started a fight. Very unusual as I dont get wasted from that little alcohol. Luckily had friends looking after me.

[@LoveFlatfootin1]

Old Hawaiian saying: “Mai Huli`oe I Kokua o Ke Kai”- never turn your back on the ocean.

[@MaKeUpUrWoRlD98]

That’s ridiculous especially him being banned from surrounding bars. I could see if he was physically sick/falling everywhere , or being very disorderly. But coming from someone in the US thats wild to me.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

That bit I found impossible to believe. So the owner of Cheeky Monkey's is going to get on the phone THAT NIGHT to the several other noisy bars in town and tell them to ban this one particular skinny backpacker who was just a bit intoxicated. Didn't happen, unless there was some serious incident, in which case the police would have been called.

[@ally5694]

It’d be interesting to see how Dr. Grande analyses the case of Emanuela Orlandi, the Vatican girl.

[@feelthejoy]

Hate to be this person but it’s pronounced “HOST-ull” not “host-ELL”. Regardless, thanks for covering this case; hadn’t heard about it before and it’s disturbing that it’s not more well known and better analyzed

[@VanillaMacaron551]

You will hear the latter in Australia.

[@RastaJew]

It's illegal to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person in Australian bars.

[@Dare_2_Dance]

I doubt he was drunk, egotistical nob head bouncers told him to leave. They do this because Ive been told by grown men it's happened to them too! And they were sober af, just stared into space for a split second then being accused of being intoxicated and asked to leave. It's so dangerous asking ppl to leave and then them being left alone on the street, in the dark in a place they don't know very well

[@browniehendricks3726]

My theory is that he bought drugs in the bad part of town and went for a swim and drowned. He could have been accompanied by some one who led him around the homeless camp. Thanks for another great case. How do you come up with so many great cases? I would love to be a fly in the wall and see your process. Keep up the good work and take care.

[@LilyAmongThorns]

That’s my assumption as well. The 60 Minutes Australia account made it very clear how bad the riptides are in that area and if he was even under the influence of marijuana he could have decided to take a dip in the ocean even fully clothed. Very sad for the family.

[@lnc-to4ku]

Your final thoughts were incredible, and so true! Such a sad mystery!

[@aaronrobertson8392]

Great points at the end. He might have been on something else in the bar and technically they should offer to get him home if he’s too intoxicated. Sounds like he was way more messed up than 2 drinks

[@BigfootRunning]

It’s illegal to serve alcohol to drunk people in Australia. I know… but the rule is there to allow security to use discression . Basically you just need to behave yourself to not get kicked out.

[@vls3771]

Important to remember in this case it was a delay of 6 days before police were notified .and even then they didn't know he went to cosy corner until phone records were traced 6 days is along time especially if he did fall into the ocean ....

[@karis7649]

Are all the Americans chiming in to say this is required for a liquor license here too? At least in Washington state you’re not allowed to “overserve” and must cut off anyone with visible signs of intoxication. (Realistically it has to be pretty visible since over served can be 2 or 3 drinks or even 0 if they come drunk or on the nod already) a bar or server can be sued for over service resulting in damage/danger etc. You’re not allowed to make them leave tho (unless they’re violent /harassing) you can sit them down until they’re sober and serve coffee /food /etc but can’t force a drunk person out into the weather and dark (or their car).

[@sara_387]

Under the NSW Liquor and Gaming Act: Everyone has a right to enjoy safe and responsible drinking environments and the Liquor Act 2007 provides powers to venues and police to eject and ban patrons who compromise that environment. There are a number of ways that licensees can deal with patrons who may be disruptive, violent, intoxicated, or fail to adhere to venue rules and policies. #3 barring the person from multiple venues for an extended period of time Generally, a licensed venue may refuse entry or eject a patron if they are: intoxicated; violent, argumentative, or disorderly; smoking in a smoke-free area; using, or possess, any substance suspected of being an illicit drug; whose presence causes the licensee to become liable to a penalty under the liquor laws.

[@Ashley_Marie23]

Another topic I've been following for a couple of years, and just watched new 60 minutes Australia documentary on.

[@cottontails9003]

Good afternoon Dr Grande. What a mysterious story. Tourists don't know the dangers of walking in the dark. It would have been safer if he had let another backpacker know where he was going. If I had to pick a theory it would be #3. Thank you Dr Grande, tragic outcome and informative topic.

[@tessajones9393]

His room mate didn't even report him missing. So who knows if he did say anything.

[@cottontails9003]

@@tessajones9393 I said if.And your comment makes sense.

[@AwfulDog1]

Two points… firstly, due to cost of alcohol people drink at home prior to going to the pub. Hence he was kicked out, that’s the law here if you are drunk. Secondly, he probably either slipped on the rocks at the base of the cliff and was swept out to see or went paddling and was swept out by a wave. Locals say the current is very dangerous around the lighthouse region and takes you out fast. You don’t come back. They also say (and I agree) that you can’t fall off the ‘cliff’ due to a lot of vegetation stopping you in this region. He would have been found and wouldn’t make it to the bottom.

[@Mikkibriteside]

I've been in Byron Bay..I love it. I felt safe when I was with my friends. Those cliffs are very steep! I did have time to walk around town by myself. I felt an uneasy feeling. I don't usually feel that way. I also don't know why.. Theo's disappearance is a big mystery but currents in the water are very strong and could certainly sweep someone out to sea.

[@hardver8855]

What made you felt uneasy? I havent been to australia, i know its a developed and safe country , but sometimes i think that Australia full of whackos, nutjobs and crazy people.

[@andreasrau2161]

Thanks again, Dr. Grande! I think that everyone has to remember that Theo was doing his exploring at night, in the dark. It wouldn't be too hard to imagine his falling off of a cliff and his body being dragged out to sea with the tide under that particular circumstance.

[@AwfulDog1]

You can’t fall off that cliff though due to vegetation stopping your fall. Many Australian cliffs are like that, not just a literal rock cliff edge.

[@rachiegoodman]

@@AwfulDog1 So maybe he was trying to get through the thick brush to get the cliff's edge, the brush was too thick for him to see that the edge of the cliff was right below his feet, and he overstepped the cliff edge unintentionally and fell over. If there is thick brush there it likely obscured his view, especially at night.

[@alinonymous]

The cliff wasn't steep enough for this scenario and no one in his right mind would go exploring dangerous cliffs in the wee hours. Besides, the phone's geo-locator got switched off before being separated from its owner, which indicates intentional covering up of something.

[@Lucy-mf5gk]

I cant believe people think he fell off a cliff and no foul play.

[@bthomson]

Wow! So many Australian fans! Just shows the wide spread appeal of Dr. Grande's channel!

[@V01D72]

Hi Dr. Grande, I love your work. I'd like to suggest a case for you to look at, it's a case from the Netherlands (where I live) that is to this day not resolved and I'd like your insight. It's a case surrounding the person "Arjen Kamphuis"

[@augustek5382]

Sounds like he might have been drunk or high and vanished into the ocean. Some accident. And sounds like the body was never recovered. However, the phone pings at some certain times does seem suspicious

[@pepelemoko01]

Byron Bay has long been known for drugs,I think Theo took some hallucinogen triggering some sort of psychotic episode, the bouncers at "Cheeky Monkeys " ejected him and he tried to get back to the guest house and found himself at the beach where he lost his cap then later his phone. Theo went into the water in a confused state and was taken by a shark .(there are many in that area)

[@lcampbell9837]

Good theory.

[@lachie7628]

It seems extremely improbable for him to have been lost or in any sort of psychotic episode. He checked google maps for directions to his hostel multiple times, and willingly chose to go in the opposite direction, after stopping and likely talking to someone in a very dangerous part of town, he took an unmarked path toward the beach, through which he traversed without error despite the immense darkness. Keep in mind, this trail, even to a local, is not easily navigated even in broad daylight.

[@pepelemoko01]

@@lachie7628 where is the corpus delicti?

[@lachie7628]

​@@pepelemoko01 For which part?

[@justcallmeassinine]

Hi all. I am guessing he went for a swim in the ocean in the wee hours. That area juts out into the ocean and looks like it is subject to strong currents. Theo had already had some land-based adventure and maybe wanted something more. RIP young lad.

[@sara_387]

FYI Under the NSW Liquor and Gaming Act: Everyone has a right to enjoy safe and responsible drinking environments and the Liquor Act 2007 provides powers to venues and police to eject and ban patrons who compromise that environment. There are a number of ways that licensees can deal with patrons who may be disruptive, violent, intoxicated, or fail to adhere to venue rules and policies. #3 barring the person from multiple venues for an extended period of time Generally, a licensed venue may refuse entry or eject a patron if they are: intoxicated; violent, argumentative, or disorderly; smoking in a smoke-free area; using, or possess, any substance suspected of being an illicit drug; whose presence causes the licensee to become liable to a penalty under the liquor laws. EDIT: I watched day 4 of the Coronial inquest and he was observed to have affected balance and coordination when he exited the toilets. There was a new stricter inspector in the area, and security were informed to be on alert and eject anyone who appeared to be approaching intoxication to avoid the licensee being fined for having intoxicated patrons on the premises.

[@annanicole5494]

doc pls do alicia navarro or an update on delphi murders

[@MyCryptoJourney]

Long day! Ending with a Dr Grande video 🙌🏾🔥

[@renee1961]

Good morning 🌄, Dr. Grande! I see you're awake, too! Thank You!

[@behemothsbaby]

Poor Theo. Feel so sorry for his family and his Godfather. Byron is a generally safe and laidback community and Theo's disappearance was strange and tragic.

[@annagervas9197]

love you Dr G. I find out more about my own country, from you, than I ever do in Aust, the media in Aust are RUBBISH! except Friendly Jordies. I was wondering what happened to this young man. although I've met a few Belgian ppl in Aust, they are unusual ppl? no? he disappeared in Aust caus he was Belgian...nnnnah

[@carmenhunter4380]

You're spot on there. Love Jordies!!

[@troy3456789]

Australia, like many western developed countries, is pretty good about keeping its dirty laundry. Portions of the US loves its dirty laundry and adds additional odorants to it to increase its stench well beyond reality.

[@mjanny6330]

@Robert Paulson your hate for the US is wholly irrelevant.

[@annagervas9197]

@@mjanny6330 well he, opps "it/they", may have a point there. Love Jordies!!

[@troy3456789]

@@mjanny6330 You inferred something I didn't imply. My comment was response to Anna's comment on Australian media.

[@nimsa2000]

Yessss Dr Grande , I was waiting all day. Thank you 😊 💓 ☺️

[@kevinc809]

Oh good a real event not the staged garbage you've been covering so much lately. Thank you sir, may I have another? It's prounounced Hast-El

[@stt5v2002]

I think the fact that he was thrown out of the bar is a relevant clue. As Dr. grande points out, bars don’t throw out people for having two beers and being almost intoxicated. He was thrown out for some other reason. Maybe he was extremely intoxicated. Maybe he was on drugs. Maybe he got into an altercation with the wrong kind of person. Maybe he was exhibiting signs of some sort of psychiatric disorder. For legal reasons, the barn might not want to be forthcoming about the fact that they threw out a severely impaired person who then disappeared.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Yes. Presumably the police looked right into this, even if we don't have that information.

[@patriciaberry2308]

In New Zealand it is illegal to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person in a bar - and I'm fairly sure it is the same in Australia. He may have been drinking at the Backpackers before he arrived at the bar so could've been intoxicated after 2 beers. ( called pre -loading here ). Also apart from the danger of walking through bush and rocky terrain in the dark - there are quite a few dangerous things in the Australian bush - for example snakes , killer spiders and also dingos ( wild dogs that kill and eat people ). He could have fallen over and become prey to one of these things . Or he may have gone swimming and got taken by a shark .A very sad story .

[@VanillaMacaron551]

If man-eating dogs were on a beach at Byron Bay among all the beautiful people, influencers and backpackers - every tabloid news outlet in the world would be there feeding, sorry, reporting, on it! It would be bigger than the Azaria story ("a dingo got my baby!") at Uluru. Snakes are generally hibernating in June and if you did see one, it would barely be able to move in the cold in the middle of the night. Not many people would swim in the sea on a moonless, chill, June (winter) night. As for spiders, hmmm, not really. You would have to go looking for them!

[@plsavage]

What if he wasn't the one sending messages from his phone? Something could have happened during/right after the bar incident and they threw the scent off of themselves by using his phone and showing distance & communication. I feel so badly for his family...and that he lost his life at such a young age