Coroner reopens Jayden Penno-Tompsett inquest after remains found in Queensland bush
The New South Wales man's remains were found in the Queensland bush last October, years after an inquest determined his death was not suspicious.
www.abc.net.auDirect answer: It appears there have been recent reports confirming the remains of Jayden Penno-Tompsett, a Newcastle man who went missing in 2017, were identified in January 2026, ending the eight-year search.
Details to know:
- Timeline: Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, disappeared near Charters Towers, Queensland, on New Year’s Eve 2017 while traveling from Newcastle to Cairns. Prior inquests suggested death by exposure after leaving his vehicle, with drug-related distress noted at the time.[2][3][4]
- Latest confirmation: Queensland Police stated that forensic DNA testing confirmed the remains found in Breddan, near Charters Towers, belong to Jayden Penno-Tompsett, with the identification announced in January 2026. A coronial investigation is ongoing, with foul play not suspected by authorities.[4][2]
- Public update: News outlets and a dedicated family/community page have shared the confirmation and requested privacy for his family as they process the closure. The case had drawn local and online attention for years.[1][2][4]
What this means for you:
- If you’re seeking the most current details, expect ongoing coronial processes and official statements from Queensland Police; early 2026 coverage confirms identity and ongoing inquest.[2][4]
- For broader context, the case has been described as an eight-to-nine-year missing person mystery with a non-suspicious death determination after investigation in prior inquests, now superseded by positive identification of remains.[4][2]
Would you like a concise timeline of key dates and outcomes, or a brief summary of the official statements from police and the coronial inquests? I can also pull a quick list of reputable outlets covering the latest developments if you want.
Citations:
- Confirmation and details of remains identified as Jayden Penno-Tompsett.[4]
- Background on disappearance and inquest findings.[2]
- Additional reporting on the nine-year mystery and identification news.[3][1]