As the search continues for missing Aussie traveller Rye Hunt, his family have been dealt another devastating blow.
Not only have the Brazilian media outlets published the photos of the unidentified body, but they allegedly sent them to the family via text message, asking for confirmation.
The family released a statement overnight, saying there has been no confirmation that the body is Hunt and they expressed their ‘disgust’ at these media outlets.
“We are disgusted that photos of the body have been published by media outlets and sent directly via text to family members by Brazilian journalists, asking us to confirm the identity,” the statement said.
“It goes without saying that this crosses many professional and personal boundaries.”
According to their statement, Brazilian police are currently investigating the discovery of a body on a beach on Wednesday morning after it washed ashore on Guaratiba beach in Marica, which is 25 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro where he went missing on May 21.
Police are carrying out DNA tests to determine the identity of the body, and confirm whether it is Hunt.
Hunt’s uncle Michael Wholohan, and girlfriend, Bonnie Cuthbert remain in Brazil helping with search efforts, while his sister, Romany Brodribb, who is currently back in Australia says the family are struggling to remain hopeful.
“There are moments when we are incredibly hopeful and determined and there are moments when we realise how long it’s been,” she told Fairfax.
“You start thinking about different scenarios. We really try not to but it’s a natural process, I think. It’s hard trying to work out what’s legitimate and what’s not. Knowing what information to trust.”
