The parents of Kye Schaefer, the man allegedly murdered on a Coffs Harbour beach, have called on anyone with information about their son's death to come forward.
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The 21-year-old died in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed on Coffs Harbour's Ocean Parade before 6.40am on May 2 following an early morning surf.
The family made a public plea for information regarding Mr Schaefer's alleged murder, as police continue to investigate, saying "just be honest and own up to your mistakes in life... everyone makes them".
Kye's mother Pam Schaefer said "if you think of anything at all - you may not think it is important: yet it might be something that makes the difference".
She shared the family's heartache saying "no words can describe how we're feeling, the sheer loss of our faith in humanity".
"The love and support our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that's what's kept us out of this black hole."
Community raise thousands for grieving family
The Coffs Harbour community has rallied around the family with 250 people contributing to a fundraiser in Kye's memory reaching more than $26,000 in 12 days.
Kye's father Tony Schaefer said "the local community have been so supportive. We thank everyone very much for the assistance and help given us through these hard times".
"Words cannot express the heartfelt gratitude we have for all the dedicated emergency and medical professionals," the family said on the fundraising page.
"We thank the police for all that they are doing to help us make sense of a senseless situation and their efforts to help us maintain our privacy while we get our heads around this."
We would also like to ask that if you are feeling anger and frustration, please reach out to your family, a mate or a community service for support.
"Tragedy can only be healed with love."
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Support is available for those who may be distressed:
- Phone Lifeline 13 11 14
- Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491
- 13 Yarn 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- beyondblue 1300 224 636
- 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
