Police fear missing Christchurch man is dead

Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth in Christchurch believe the young father is no longer alive. Investigators recently completed forensic examinations at properties in Linwood and Edgeware, while his family continues an emotional public appeal for answers.

The investigation into Braydon Hepworth took a grim turn when Detective Inspector Scott Anderson stated that recent inquiries indicate the young father is dead. Police are determined to secure answers for the family of the missing young man.

Police Forensics Focus on England Street Property in Linwood

The search efforts concentrated heavily on a residential property located on England Street near the intersection with Hereford Street. A neighbour noted that the focused property operates as backpackers’ accommodation and that everyone there seemed nice and friendly, adding that they had never witnessed any trouble or police activity there before.

That scene examination has now been formally completed, according to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, who confirmed that the work concluded on October 6. Police also carried out related searches at a house on Hereford Street just a short distance from the previous search site, cordoning off a one-bedroom flat connected to a larger house. Despite wrapping up the physical property examinations, law enforcement stresses that the broader operational investigation remains very much active.

Police searching a house in relation to Braydon Hepworth's disappearance — Photo: NZ Herald

Timeline of the Disappearance and Urgent Medical Concerns

Hepworth was last confirmed seen on September 3 at a Z Energy service station in Linwood, where security footage captured him wearing a Monster Energy-branded beanie with a pair of headphones over the top. The 21-year-old father has a nine-month-old baby daughter and two siblings.

His mother, Char Huntley, shared that he had about a month’s worth of insulin remaining as of August 4, leaving relatives desperately worried about his health, safety, and physical wellbeing.

Please help me keep looking for my boy… He’s 21 and Type 1 diabetic. He needs insulin daily to stay alive.

Char Huntley, mother

Family Despair and Public Appeals for Information

She noted that physical hospital checks, inquiries with friends, and independent searches yielded no trace of his whereabouts.

Police fear missing Christchurch man is dead — Photo: ODT

This is devastating, not knowing where he is, if he is safe, if he needs help but can’t get it, if he is still in Christchurch or has gone further willingly or not.

Char Huntley, mother

Any information, no matter how small, could be a piece of the puzzle we need to locate Mr Hepworth.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, NZ Police

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Let me get my son back, Huntley pleaded, emphasizing that he is not in any trouble and that everyone simply wants him home safely.

In a direct message directed at her son during the ordeal, she urged him to let them know where he is if he is able, reiterating that he is not in trouble.

As authorities continue working to establish the full sequence of events, they emphasize that community assistance remains vital to the ongoing investigation.

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