Human remains found near a remote stretch of highway in outback Queensland have been identified as those of Jayden Penno-Tompsett, who was reported missing in late 2017.
A Facebook page set up to help locate Penno-Tompsett confirmed on Monday that police had informed his mother, Rachel Penno that the remains discovered at 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 said suspected human remains located at a rural property underwent forensic DNA analysis, which on Friday supported the conclusion that they were those of Penno-Tompsett.
The remains were discovered on October 20, 2025, in Breddan – a remote area approximately 90 minutes southwest of Townsville, near the Flinders Highway.
The highway has been referred to as the “highway of death” due to its long history of unexplained disappearances.
At least 11 people have gone missing in the region since the 1970s.
Penno-Tompsett, a 22-year-old from Newcastle, disappeared on New Year’s Eve in 2017 after running into nearby bushland near Charters Towers following an argument with his travel companion while on 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,” police said.
“An extensive multi-agency land search was conducted over several days in January 2018 but he was never found.”
A coronial inquest in 2022 found that Penno-Tompsett most likely died from exposure to the elements, a finding that has been publicly disputed by his mother and other family members.
In a statement shared online, the family acknowledged the identification of the remains.
“While this isn’t the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful that Jay has finally been found,” the post read.
“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 family also requested privacy as they grieve.
Queensland Police will prepare a report for the coroner, with the coronial investigation continuing.
Images: Facebook
