Former Socceroo Stephen Laybutt Found Dead in NSW Bushland

The body of former Socceroo Stephen Laybutt has been discovered in bushland on the NSW Far North Coast after he was reported missing on Saturday.

Laybutt, aged 46, had traveled from Sydney to Casuarina, a town north of Byron Bay, to visit friends on Friday. Concern was raised when he could not be contacted on Saturday morning, prompting the police search. Sadly, his body was found in bushland near Cabarita around 7 pm on Sunday.

In his football career, Laybutt represented the Socceroos in 15 matches between 2000 and 2004. However, his professional career came to an end due to a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League in 2008.

Stephen Laybutt had been working at the rehab unit of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, where he formed a bond with Ian Pavey, a 67-year-old patient recovering from a knee operation. Laybutt’s kindness led him to donate a kidney to Pavey, in addition to providing rehabilitation support. This act of selflessness garnered significant attention and admiration, as it highlighted Laybutt’s compassionate nature.

Laybutt’s coming out as gay after retiring from professional sport was another milestone in his life. In an interview with the Herald in 2021, he spoke about the struggles he faced and the personal growth he experienced since embracing his true identity.

Stephen Laybutt grew up in Wollongong and earned a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. He then played for the Brisbane Strikers and represented Australia in the Sydney Olympics as part of the Olyroos. He made his Socceroo debut shortly after.

Tributes have poured in for the former Socceroo, with his teammates and football community remembering his gentle and thoughtful nature. Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster described Laybutt as a talented player and a good human being. The news of Laybutt’s passing has deeply saddened his colleagues from the football fraternity.

The Newcastle Jets, Laybutt’s former A-League club, expressed their grief over his passing. Laybutt had made ten appearances for the team during the 2007/08 season.

Jade North, who played alongside Laybutt for the Socceroos and the Newcastle Jets, expressed shock and numbness upon hearing the tragic news. Laybutt was highly respected and loved in the Australian football community.

A report will be prepared for the coroner, and the death is not being treated as suspicious. Crisis support is available for those in need.