Found Deceased Brazil - Rye Hunt, 25, Rio de Janeiro, 21 May 2016

..."They were staying in Rio and their next intended destination was Bolivia," Ms Brodribb said.

"When Rye didn't turn up [his friend] went looking around the airport, and talked to security for hours."

Unable to find Mr Hunt, his friend returned to their hostel in Rio to continue the search.

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...The two mates, who met while working in Kalgoorlie, were part way through a six-month adventure that had already taken them to Thailand and then South America.

“Embarking on an adventure now to see the world over the next few months. Unsure of what the future has instore for us, stay safe everybody, hope to see you all upon our return,” was one of the last post’s Rye put on his Facebook page.

“It is really out of character not to hear from Rye,” his sister Romany Brodribb said.

“He did not return to meet up with his mate Mitchell after the pair had a spat at the airport and seems to have just vanished.

“Mitchell walked around the airport for hours and hours and went back to the hostel where they were staying in case Rye had gone there.”

The family spoke to Rye on his birthday last week but has not heard from him since.

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...“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the man’s family.

“Due to privacy obligations, we will not provide further comment.”

In March the department issued a warning for travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities.

“You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times,” the warning said.

“The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings and sexual assault, is significant.

“Tourists are targeted, particularly around festival periods.”

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...Ms Brodribb also said it appeared the pair had an argument and her brother left the airport, but it was unclear how he left.

"It indicates that they had an argument, a disagreement which his travel partner had previously told us," she said.

"The CCTV footage does also verify that. It also confirms the Rye left the airport and that he was alone.

"They had a verbal disagreement, I believe, and then they agreed to separate and cool off and to meet back in 30 minutes."

Mr Hunt never returned.

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cuffem said:

Not to make light of the situation but how are you to travel with someone for 6months and you are already fighting at the start of the trip.I hope this is not a mental health problem like depression.I do not feel this is a robbery with his c.cards not being used.Could be either an accident or suicide.I wonder where his belongings were found?Near water?

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cuffem said:

Not to make light of the situation but how are you to travel with someone for 6months and you are already fighting at the start of the trip.I hope this is not a mental health problem like depression.I do not feel this is a robbery with his c.cards not being used.Could be either an accident or suicide.I wonder where his belongings were found?Near water?

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...Brazilian police have recovered some of Mr Hunt's belongings, including his camera, laptop, and backpack.

Ms Brodribb said the family had not been told where those items were found.

"We asked DFAT around 24 hours ago for a list because we're very curious to know, especially, whether his iPhone, his wallet and his passport were found," she said.

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...Missing Australian man Rye Hunt booked into an apartment in Copacabana after leaving Rio airport 10 days ago, his family has revealed.

Hunt checked into the room one hour after leaving Galeão international airport at about 2.30pm on 21 May.

“At approximately 6.20pm Rye left the apartment leaving a number of personal items in the room including a laptop, travel bags, a camera and a number of other items,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday.

...Hunt’s family also revealed an item was bought on the 25-year-old’s bank card a few minutes after he left the apartment in Brazil’s beach district.

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