UPDATE: The family of 28-year-old Hayden Grainger, missing from Sydney’s eastern suburbs for over four months, is urgently appealing for assistance as their search intensifies. Reports confirm multiple unverified sightings across New South Wales, but there have been no confirmed leads since his disappearance in June 2023.
Brendan Grainger, Hayden’s father, revealed the family’s heartbreaking journey during an online appeal this week. “His mum and I have constantly searched the streets of Sydney for four months and come up with nothing,” he stated. “We have had no contact since June, which is concerning as we are all so tight. Hayden is a kind, caring, loving young man whose family and friends miss him so much.”
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the family’s mounting worries over Hayden’s mental health. “If anyone sees him, please take a photo and send it to me privately. Please share this far and wide,” Brendan urged, emphasizing the need for community support.
Sightings of Hayden have prompted friends and well-wishers to spread the word across community Facebook pages along the NSW coast. His mother, Debra Grainger, recalled a potential sighting in Sydney CBD in September but has since expanded her search as summer approaches. “With it getting warmer and his love for the beach, I thought I’d reach out further,” she explained.
Debra described Hayden as an “amazing young man,” noting that his lack of contact with family is highly unusual. “He has not done anything wrong; it’s just extremely out of character for him not to be in touch,” she added, revealing that their last communication was at the end of June.
Authorities confirm that police from both South Sydney and Queensland have been involved in the search. Currently, South Sydney police are officially leading the investigation. A spokesperson for NSW Police stated that Hayden was last seen in a supermarket at Martin Place around 8:30 AM on August 12.
“When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts,” the spokesperson added. Concerns for Hayden’s welfare are heightened due to a reported medical condition.
Hayden is described as having a Caucasian appearance, a thin build, approximately 180 cm tall, with brown hair and a beard. At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing a black and tan flannel shirt, black pants, brown boots, a grey/beige beanie, dark glasses, and black and white headphones.
As the search continues, the Grainger family remains hopeful for any information that could lead to Hayden’s safe return. If you have any tips or have seen Hayden, please reach out to local authorities or the family directly. Your help could be crucial in reuniting this beloved son with his family.
