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Life has taken a somber turn for Chris Hemsworth. Fresh off a joyful family trip to Japan with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and their three kids—where they marveled at snowy landscapes and celebrated the 11th birthday of twins Tristan and Sasha—the actor is now faced with troubling news. A close friend has vanished, and Hemsworth has stepped in to aid the search.
© GC ImagesThe missing man is Detective Inspector Jay Notaro, who disappeared early Tuesday morning while surfing near Broken Head, a favored spot close to Byron Bay. It was just a few days before his 45th birthday. Hemsworth, who’s called this Australian coastal town home for the past decade alongside Pataky after years in Los Angeles, was spotted in a parking lot at the beach, deep in conversation with police. Known for blockbuster roles in Thor, Extraction, and The Avengers, the actor traded his usual Hollywood polish for a practical black tank top, earthy pants, and sneakers as he gestured animatedly, likely sharing whatever insights he could muster.
© AFP via Getty ImagesIn photos from the Daily Mail, the actor sports a black sleeveless shirt, earthy pants, and sneakers while chatting with five police officers who rolled up in two cars and are running the investigation. He’s all motion—gesturing, pointing—probably tossing out details and leads to cut through the stress and fog of these days. The cops are spearheading a big push, with choppers, drones, divers, and jet skis in play, but all they’ve turned up so far is Notaro’s surfboard.
Inspector Detective Matt Zimmer from New South Wales has spoken up about the discovery and where the investigation stands: "That surfboard looked ordinary enough—no dents or scratches, and the leg rope was still in one piece. The inspector’s a hell of a swimmer, shaped by years with Queensland’s water police, and the ocean’s been tame these past few days. With his expertise and endurance, he is well-equipped to handle these challenging conditions.
© Getty ImagesWitnesses saw the inspector drive into the Broken Head lot, where his car was found, but there’s nothing on him after that—no photos. He’d planned dinner with friends that night but canceled last minute, feeling off.
The news has shook Byron Bay, where the officer was well-known not only for his esteemed work but also for the close-knit surf crew he established. Chris Hemsworth was part of that pack, spending plenty of time with him. Another regular in those surf sessions is their pal, pro surfer Luke Munro.
