UPDATE Monday 9.20am: Rye Hunt’s family has provided an update in the search for missing 25-year-old.
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A CCTV image of Mr Hunt walking through the Galeao International Airport has also been released.
His family say they are “increasingly concerned” about his safety and welfare.
It was reported on Sunday that some of Mr Hunt’s personal belongings had been recovered by Brazilian police, including his camera, laptop and his travelling backpack.
The family says they have not been told exactly where the items were found, or if his passport, wallet and phone were among the findings.
In the still image released of Mr Hunt walking through the airport, he is wearing a green Boston Celtic’s basketball shirt, denim shorts, a black cap, and is carrying a backpack. It was taken at 14.30 local time on May 21.
The family extended their thanks to the contributors to the #FindRye GoFundMe campaign, and the Brazilian media for its support.
EARLIER: Australian authorities have confirmed Rye Duval Hunt left Galeao International Airport alone in a taxi around 2.30pm local Rio time on May 21.
“There appears to have been an argument between Rye and his travel partner in the airport,” the statement said.
Previously, it was reported Mr Hunt and his travel partner had separated in the airport with a promise to meet back up in 30 minutes.
A statement released by the family on Sunday, May 29 at 10.38am said “some of Rye’s personal effects have been located...Rye’s location is still unknown as at the time of this media release”.
Mr Hunt was declared missing in Rio de Janeiro after disappearing from the city’s international airport on May 21.
CCTV footage has confirmed Mr Hunt was at the airport on May 21.
He has not accessed his bank accounts or social media accounts since.
The 25-year-old Tasmanian man was in the midst of a six-month holiday around the world that he had planned with a friend over the past few years.
Mr Hunt had been in daily contact with his girlfriend Bonnie Cuthbert since he left Western Australia for what a Facebook post described as ‘a trip of a lifetime’.
He has not made contact with family, friends or his girlfriend since May 21.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian embassy are working with tourist police in Brazil in regards to Mr Hunt’s whereabouts.
“The Australian Embassy in Brasilia is working closely with local authorities to locate an Australian man reported missing in Brazil,” a DFAT spokesperson previously said.
DFAT told The Examiner they cannot provide any further comment due to privacy obligations.
Romany Brodribb, Mr Hunt’s sister said her family is concerned for his safety and they are feeling really helpless being in Tasmania.
Anyone with information is urged to email FindRye@gmail.com.
Mr Hunt’s brother-in-law setup a Go Fund Me page to enable Mr Hunt’s family and Ms Cuthbert to fly to Rio De Janeiro and help with the search.
The page raised over $33,000 in two days.
Ms Cuthbert and Mr Hunt’s uncle will travel to Rio de Janeiro next week to assist with the search.
To help, visit www.gofundme.com/findrye.
