The parents of a Coffs Harbor surfer who died in a random stabbing after a morning surf have made an emotional plea for anyone with information to come forward and have spoken directly to the person who took their son’s life.
Kye Schaefer, 21, was attacked on Ocean Parade after surfing at Park Beach in Coffs Harbour, on the New South Wales mid north coast, on Thursday 2 May.
The 21-year-old was stabbed to death shortly before 6.40am in what police describe as a random and unprovoked attack.
Kye was treated at the scene and transported to Coffs Harbor Base Hospital, but died shortly afterwards from serious injuries to his neck and chest.
Speaking to NSW Police as part of a video appeal, the young surfer’s parents, Pam and Tony Schaefer, appealed for information that could help find their son’s killer.
Pam and Tony Schaefer (pictured) have urged people to come forward with any information about the incident that claimed their son’s life, whether they believe it is important or not.
Kye Schaefer, 21, (pictured) was stabbed to death in broad daylight after a morning surf.
“If you think about something, you may not think it’s important, but it can be something that makes a difference,” Ms. Schaefer said.
When asked what they would say to the killer, Schaefer urged the person to come forward.
“Just be honest and own up to your mistakes in life… you all make them,” he said.
The parents also spoke about their anguish at losing their son two weeks ago.
“There are no words that can describe how we feel, the absolute loss of our faith in humanity,” Ms. Schaefer said.
‘Love and support [from] Our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that’s what has kept us out of this black hole.’
The surfer’s father added that the local community had been “very supportive”.
“We are very grateful to everyone for the assistance and help they have given us during these difficult times,” he said.
Police described the attack as unprovoked and Kye died in hospital from injuries to his neck and chest (pictured, stabbing scene).
The 21-year-old had been surfing at Park Beach, Coffs Harbor (pictured) when he was attacked with a random stabbing.
As Strike Force Kooringaroo continues its investigations, the Schaefer family has formally declined any requests for an interview or comment and has requested privacy at this time.
TO GoFundMe A page has been started to help the “struggling family” pay funeral expenses and “help them cope with this terrible tragedy.”
The fundraiser described Kye as loving, fun and “living life to the fullest.”
‘Big heart with a big smile. A kind, free-spirited soul,” he said.
The young surfer was also a soccer player and was on the region’s representative soccer team.
Last week, police said they were looking for a man on a bicycle who was in the area at the time of the murder and who could help them with their investigation.
Police have urged drivers traveling along Ocean Parade, near the bridge at Coffs Harbor Creek, the local Coff Harbor Surf Club and Orlando Street to check their dashcam footage.