Australian Backpacker Disappears from Airport in Rio de Janeiro

By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Australian traveler Rye Hunt appears to have disappeared from the Rio International airport on Saturday, May 21st, and has not been seen or in contact with friends or family since. Hunt, age 25, was traveling with a friend on their way to Bolivia, and reportedly at the airport separated for 30-minutes to get a coffee, then disappeared.

Hunt’s family and friends in Hobart, Australia have initiated a search on social media and local news outlets, insisting that Hunt is an experienced traveler and the lack of contact is out of character. In a press release they noted with concern that “his social media and bank accounts haven’t been accessed.”

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that Australia’s minister for foreign affairs, Julie Bishop, said she was “deeply concerned” and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was working with local authorities to find him.

“Our consular officials in Brazil are working with local authorities to locate this Australian citizen who has gone missing and we are deeply concerned about his well being,” she said. “The details are still a bit sketchy, we’ve had some feedback from the local authorities as to what happened but it seems he disappeared at the airport.”

Sister Romany Brodribb told the media, “His phone is not accessible, he’s not accessed any kind of social media, or his bank account, and he’s not been in contact with his girlfriend in Australia, which is really highly unusual.” Adding, “We are hoping that footage from the airport will give us some kind of indication as to where he may be but everything takes time to access.”

Ryan Hunt is 175cm tall, 98kg, tanned complexion, with dark brown hair and last seen carrying a large blue and black travelers backpack. The family is desperate for information and anyone looking for more updates or has assistance to offer can make contact on Romany Brodribb’s social media page.