** This story has an update **
The brother of Guy Haymes, who died following an apparent brutal attack at a Manly apartment complex in February, has asked the public to come forward with information as detectives lament numerous information gaps in the case.
Mark Haymes presented the desperate plea during a press conference at Manly Police Station today in an attempt to help police with their investigations and provide his family with closure.
“He was a kind-hearted soul who wouldn’t hurt anyone. Our whole family is in shock and disbelief. Dibelief that he had his life cut short. And in such a brutal way. Not knowing what happened that day and not having the answers is the hardest part,” Mark said.
“We can’t imagine that anyone would want to hurt you. And that person is still out there. If anyone out there has any information, please come forward as our whole family needs closure.”
Northern Beaches Police Commander, Superintendent Pat Sharkey, was restrained in advising what information they already had on the case. He said he was aware that the flats, a form of social housing opposite Harris Farm and aside Stella Maris on Pittwater Road in Manly, were known for antisocial behaviours, and that residents had been canvassed.
“Police have conducted extensive inquiries to date. But we still need further information from the public,” Superintendent Sharkey said.
“We suspect that Guy knew the person involved in this matter. But obviously, as I said before, there are information gaps that we need to close yet.”
“We suspect that Guy knew the person involved in this matter. But obviously, as I said before, there are information gaps that we need to close yet.”
The 59-year-old was found with serious head injuries following reports of an assault on 27 February 2024.
He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital but died from his injuries 17 days later.
Mark said his brother opened his eyes once or twice over that time, but “never said a word”.
Police said they are reluctant to go into detailed information at this point of the investigation and are treating the incident as a suspicious death.
Why Guy was at the apartment that night is unclear but it was said police were called to the scene by bystanders outside of the complex who heard a ‘ruckus’.
The Brookvale local was well known around the surfing community within the Northern Beaches and Wollongong area.
His brother Mark as well as his friends are in complete disbelief that someone would be brutally violent towards the surfer and uncle.
“Guy was known by the nickname Creature. He was the eldest of three of us brothers and the uncle of our children. He loved to surf, watch and play football and was a Manly Sea Eagles supporter. Guy was fun-loving and sociable,” Mark said.
“He got along with everyone and we can’t imagine that anyone would want to hurt you.
“I spoke to a few of his friends after the incident. And they’re all shocked at someone do that.”
One day, when the case is solved and the family have closure, friends plan to have a paddle out in Creature’s memory at North Avalon.
If you have any information that could help with this case, please do not hesitate to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it to Manly Police Station.
