New information has revealed that missing Tasmanian man Rye Hunt checked into an apartment after leaving the Galeao International Airport in Rio.
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Mr Hunt’s family on Tuesday AEST said a person had come forward, identifying him as booking and checking into an apartment at Copacabana on May 21 about 3.30pm local Rio time.
It is believed Mr Hunt then left the apartment about 6.20pm – leaving behind items like his laptop, travel bag and camera, which have recently been recovered by police.
Authorities have confirmed a purchase was recorded on Mr Hunt’s bankcard shortly after leaving the accommodation.
The apartment’s owner has been questioned by police.
Mr Hunt was last seen alone at the Galeao International Airport about 2.30pm local time on May 21, and entering a taxi.
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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they been working with Mr Hunt’s family, the Australian Embassy and local Brazilian law enforcement authorities to investigate the “apparent disappearance of Australian citizen Rye Hunt”.
“DFAT’s consular role includes providing updates to a person’s next of kin, in line with the Consular Services Charter. In this case, all available information has been provided and further updates will be provided to the next of kin when available,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“DFAT consular officials are in contact with an individual who was travelling with Mr Hunt at the time of his suspected disappearance.”
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’.
Mr Hunt’s family said they are “increasingly concerned about the welfare and safety of our Rye”.
A GoFundMe page was setup to enable Ms Cuthbert and Mr Hunt’s uncle to travel to Rio de Janeiro and continue the search.
In four days, nearly 600 people have donated more than $42,000.
The family extended their thanks to the contributors to the #FindRye GoFundMe campaign, and the Brazilian media for its support.
Anyone with information is urged to email FindRye@gmail.com.
