Rye Hunt’s family is hopeful he’s been found alive after Brazilian police discovered a man who’d suffered “psychotic episode” on a Rio De Janeiro island, nearly two weeks after the Tasmanian backpacker went missing.
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Reports emerged earlier on Thursday that Hunt had taken “local recreational drugs” before he disappeared, which caused him to become paranoid and anxious.
“Rye’s family are not aware of a history of illicit substance use by Rye”, they said.
Rye Hunt’s May 21 disappearance in Rio, host of the Olympic Games this August, has baffled Brazilian police and his family, which launched the #findrye social media campaign to boost the search.
Bruno Mouta, the nightclub owner, said Mr Hunt and his friend stayed at the club until it closed, and then he and several bodyguards walked them back to their hostel.
The man then swum to Cotunduba Island off Copacabana Beach where he was found earlier this week.
The statement says teams were sent to the island to search for Hunt but he was not found.
Mr Hunt had been in daily contact with his girlfriend since he left Western Australia for what his Facebook post describes as “a trip of a lifetime”.
Hunt’s family is awaiting further news.
The nightclub owner replied saying he hadn’t seen Mr Hunt and telling him goodluck.
“We are understandably cautious about taking this information as fact”.
Apparently Mr Hunt accused his 22-year-old friend of stealing his passport and trying to kill him.
Mr Hunt agreed and they took a taxi to Rio global airport before having an argument at a coffee shop.
“Australian Embassy officials are in Rio de Janeiro to provide support to Mr Hunt’s family members who travelled to Brazil on 1 June”.
The last known photo of Rye Hunt shows him walking through Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, on May 21, 2016.
When Hunt went missing, he left his camera, laptop and other personal items behind.
“DFAT consular officials are in contact with an individual who was travelling with Mr Hunt at the time of his suspected disappearance”.
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“We remain hopeful Mr Hunt will be found safe and well, but continue to hold concerns for his safety”, the department said.
