‘Endless tears’: William Tyrell’s family mark four years since he vanished

Four years ago today, on September 12, 2014, William Tyrell, then three, vanished from his foster grandmother’s home in Kendall, New South Wales, and the young boy has never been seen since.

His heartbroken friends and family paid tribute to the missing child on Wednesday, as NSW Police also issued an update on their investigation into the unexplained disappearance.

Writing in an emotional post on Facebook, the missing boy’s family said: “Today marks 4 tragic years since we last saw little William. 4 years of heartache and 4 years of endless tears for everyone who held him dear – not knowing where he is or what has happened to him.

“Today also marks the gift of unending love, hope and support from across Australia and around the globe.”

Read more: Police to commence fresh forensic search for missing William Tyrell.

NSW Police also issued a statement on the fourth anniversary of William’s disappearance, revealing that the case has been referred to the state coroner and an inquest will be held next year in a bid to “provide answers to William’s loved ones”.

“Investigators from the Homicide Squad’s Strike Force Rosann would like to acknowledge the continued strength and courage of William Tyrrell’s families today, the fourth anniversary of his disappearance,” a force spokesperson said.

“Over the past year, investigators have continued to explore lines of inquiry in an effort to find out what happened to William, including a large-scale forensic search. Strike Force Rosann is engaged with the NSW Coroner and it is proposed an inquest will be held before Deputy State Coroner Grahame next year.”

Read more: New push to solve mystery of missing William Tyrell.

In June this year, Strike Force Rosann detectives carried out a four-week forensic search of bushland at Kendall, not far from where little William vanished in a Spider-Man costume, as he played outside of his foster grandmother’s home. The initial searches focused on only locating William, whereas the most recent search considered the possibility of human intervention.

William’s devastated family also offered their “heartfelt thanks” to the local community, police and media, among others, for their help in trying to locate William, before urging anyone who may have any information relating to his disappearance to call Crime Stoppers.

“Most of all, to Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin and Strike Force Rosann, you have our complete trust and our deepest gratitude for your continued commitment to finding out what has happened to William,” the post continued.

“There is a $1Million reward for information that will lead Police to William – that’s $1Million reasons to make the call! Call Crime Stoppers NOW on 1800 333 000. Make the call!”

Hundreds of supports commented and shared the post on social media, writing that they were praying for the seven-year-old’s safe return. “I wish he could be found safe and well,” one wrote.

While another said: “Come home William we are still waiting for you.”

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you have a message of hope for William’s family on the fourth anniversary of his disappearance?