Queensland's Coroner's Court has confirmed it is reopening the inquest into the disappearance of Jayden Penno-Tompsett, whose remains were found in October last year near Charters Towers. The court is awaiting a police report on the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Mr Penno-Tompsett, 22, went missing on New Year's Eve in 2017 while on a road trip from Newcastle to Cairns. He left his car and companion on a dirt road near Charters Towers, west of Townsville.
An earlier inquest in 2021 determined his death was not suspicious, with findings that he likely perished in the Queensland summer while drug-affected. His companion, Lucas Tattersall, described his behavior as erratic over a lost drug stash.
Human remains were discovered at a rural property in Breddan in October 2025, and forensic testing in January 2026 confirmed they belonged to Mr Penno-Tompsett. The Coroner's Court stated: 'The court is currently awaiting a report from the Queensland Police Service in relation to the circumstances surrounding the location of Mr Penno-Tompsett's remains.'
His disappearance was reported on January 3, 2018, and no trace was found for nearly eight years until the remains were discovered.
