Human remains found near a notorious stretch of highway in outback Queensland have now been identified as those of missing man Jayden Penno-Tompsett who has been missing since late 2017.
A Facebook page dedicated to finding Jayden on Monday revealed police had told his mother, Rachel Penno, the remains found in Breddan three months ago are believed to be his.
“On Friday night, police confirmed to Rachel that the remains have been forensically tested and identified as Jayden’s,” the post read.
Queensland Police Service said the suspected human remains found at a rural property were subject to forensic DNA analysis, which on Friday supported the findings they were those of Penno-Tompsett.
The grim discovery was made on October 20, 2025, in Breddan, a remote area about one and a half hours southwest of Townsville, near the Flinders Hwy — which is often called the “highway of death” due to its history of disappearances.
At least 11 people have gone missing in the region since the 1970s.
Penno-Tompsett, a 22-year-old from Newcastle, vanished on New Year’s Eve 2017 after running into bushland near Charters Towers following an argument with his travel companion during a road trip to Cairns.
“Penno-Tompsett was last was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017 in the vicinity of a roadhouse located on Thompson St (Flinders Hwy) in Charters Towers,” QPS said.
“An extensive multi-agency land search was conducted over several days in January 2018 but he was never found.”
Jayden Penno-Tompsett vanished on New Year’s Eve 2017 while travelling through north Queensland. Credit: 7NEWS
A 2022 coronial inquest concluded he most likely died of exposure to the elements.
Penno-Tompsett’s mother and other family members have publicly disputed the coroner’s findings.
“While this isn’t the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful that Jay has finally been found,” the post read, thanking everyone for their support.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Rach over the past eight years, whether that be by searching, sharing Jay’s story or sending love and warm wishes throughout this time.
“We are forever grateful to you all.”
The post also asked for privacy for Jayden’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
QPS will prepare a report for the coroner as the coronial investigation continues.
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