Human remains found near Queensland’s infamous ‘Highway of Death’ confirmed as Jayden Penno-Tompsett
Human remains found near a notorious highway in the outback Queensland It was determined that these people belonged to Jayden Penno-Tompsett, who had been missing since late 2017.
A. Facebook page dedicated to finding Jayden It was revealed on Monday that police told his mother, Rachel Penno, that the remains found in Breddan three months ago were believed to be his.
“On Friday night, police confirmed to Rachel that the remains were forensically tested and determined to be Jayden,” the post said.
Queensland Police Service Suspicious human remains found on a rural property were subjected to forensic DNA analysis, which supported Friday’s findings that they belonged to Penno-Tompsett, he said.
terrible discovery It was held on October 20, 2025, in Breddan, a remote area about an hour and a half southwest of the city. townsvilleIt is near Flinders Hwy, which is often referred to as the “road of death” due to its history of disappearances.
At least 11 people have disappeared in the area since the 1970s.
Penno-Tompsett, 22 years old newcastleHe disappeared on New Year’s Eve 2017 after entering woodland near Charters Towers and arguing with his travel companion during a road trip. cairns.
“Penno-Tompsett was last seen near a roadhouse on Thompson Street (Flinders Hwy) in Charters Towers in the early hours of December 31, 2017,” QPS said.
“An extensive multi-agency land search was conducted over several days in January 2018, but he was never found.”
A coronial inquest in 2022 concluded that he likely died from exposure to the elements.
Penno-Tompsett’s mother and other family members publicly disputed the coroner’s findings.
“While this was not the outcome we prayed for, we are grateful that Jay was finally found,” the post read, thanking everyone for their support.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Rach over the past eight years by calling, sharing Jay’s story, or sending love and warm wishes throughout this time.
“We are forever grateful to all of you.”
The post also asked for privacy for Jayden’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
QPS will prepare a report for the coroner while the criminal investigation continues.
