Human remains found in the Australian Outback have been confirmed to belong to a man who disappeared on a road trip – bringing a sombre close to an eight-year-long mystery.

Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, was last seen running into bushland by a roadhouse on Thompson Street near Charters Towers, North Queensland, on New Year’s Eve in 2017.

He and his friend, Lucas Tattersall, were travelling from Newcastle to Cairns for a New Year’s celebration but Mr Penno-Tompsett disappeared after an argument.

The drive was planned to last three days and end with a reunion with friends.

It has been claimed that Mr Penno-Tompsett was under the influence of drugs at the time of his disappearance.

He was described as behaving in an ‘erratic and unpredictable’ manner because he couldn’t find his drug stash shortly before running off.

A multi-agency land search was established on January 3, 2018, shortly after Mr Penno-Tompsett was reported missing.

However, no trace of the 22-year-old was found for eight long years.

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Remains found on a rural property in Breddan have been identified as missing person Jayden Penno-Tompsett (pictured)

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Mr Penno-Tompsett was last seen near a roadhouse on the outskirts of Charters Towers on December 31, 2017 (pictured, flowers left at the scene)

A coronial inquest into the case was held in 2021.

Loved ones had feared the closest they’d come to closure was when it ruled that  Mr Penno-Tompsett likely died from exposure.

However, Queensland Police on Monday confirmed human remains found on a rural property in Breddan, near Charters Towers, on October 20, 2025, belonged to Mr Penno-Tompsett.

The remains were sent to Brisbane for ‘forensic DNA analysis’ which ‘supported findings that the remains were that of Mr Penno-Tompsett’.

A second coronial investigation into his death is ongoing and the matter is not being treated as suspicious.

A social media page dedicated to finding Mr Penno-Tompsett said his family was aware of the discovery.

‘On Friday night police confirmed to Rachel (his mother) that the remains have been forensically tested and identified to be Jayden,’ it said.

‘Whilst this isn’t the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful Jay has finally been found.

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Queensland Police confirmed the remains found in October belonged to Mr Penno-Tompsett (pictured) after they underwent DNA testing in Brisbane

‘We ask that you respect the privacy of Rachel and Jay’s family during this incredibly sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’

Hundreds of commenters were glad to see that there was at least some closure for the family.

‘Rest in peace now kiddo, you have been found,’ one wrote.

‘Rachel my heart goes out to you. You may now bring your boy home and lay him to rest,’ another said.