Kye Schaefer breakthrough: Man is charged with murdering surfer after leaving the water in Coffs Harbour
A man has been charged with murder after a young surfer was allegedly stabbed to death shortly after leaving the water.
Kye Schaefer, 21, was reportedly stabbed in the neck and chest after stepping out of the surf at Park Beach on Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbor at around 6.40am on May 2.
NSW Police announced on Tuesday that a 36-year-old man had been arrested at a Coffs Harbor prison.
He was taken to Coffs Harbor police station where he was charged with murder.
The man was refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbor Local Court on Tuesday.
Kye Schaefer, 21, was reportedly stabbed in the neck and chest after leaving the surf at Park Beach on Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbor at around 6.40am on May 2.
Kye was surfing at Park Beach, Coffs Harbor (pictured) when he was allegedly attacked in what police believe was a random and unprovoked attack
The arrest comes less than three weeks after Pam and Tony Schaefer stood before the cameras and made an emotional plea for their son’s attacker to come forward.
“When you think about something at all, you may not think it’s important, but it can still be something that makes a difference,” Ms. Schaefer said.
The grief-stricken mother said their son’s death had left them with “a sheer loss of our faith in humanity.”
‘The love and support [from] our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that’s what has kept us out of this black hole,” she said.
Kye’s father added that the local community had been ‘so supportive’.
“We sincerely thank everyone for the help and assistance we have received during these difficult times,” he said.
‘Just be honest and admit your mistakes in life… everyone makes them.’
Pam and Tony Schaefer (pictured) urged their son’s attacker to come forward last month
Police previously said they believe the attack was random and unprovoked.
Kye was treated at the scene and taken to Coffs Harbor Base Hospital, but died of serious neck and chest wounds shortly after arrival.
a GoFundMe page was started to help his family pay for funeral costs and to “help them cope with this terrible tragedy.”
The fundraiser described Kye as a caring person who “lived life to the fullest.”
The young surfer was also on the representative football team for the region.
Last month, police said they were looking for a man on a bicycle who was in the area at the time and might be able to help them with their investigation.