Socceroos star's cause of death revealed
Former Socceroos star Stephen Laybutt is believed to have taken his own life over the weekend.
The 46-year-old had been visiting friends in Casuarina, in northern New South Wales, on Friday before he was reported missing the following day.
The massive search for the former football player came to a tragic end on Sunday, after his body was found in NSW bushland near Cabarita, where he was last seen.
NSW Police have reportedly ruled out both misadventure and a medical episode, and revealed that his death was not being treated as suspicious.
A report will also be prepared for the coroner.
The talented footballer played 15 matches for the Socceroos between 2000 and 2004, while also representing Australia while playing for the Olyroos at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Laybutt struggled with keeping his sexuality private throughout his career, and came out as gay after he retired.
“Nobody knew. It takes a fair bit of effort to hide like that,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2021.
“Just lying to yourself all the time. That breaks you, and you head down a path of self-destruction.”
At the time, he recalled how he had "spiralled out of control" because he thought that things would get easier after coming out.
But things improved when he met his partner, Michael Lutteral, in 2010.
In the days after his passing, Laybutt's friends have paid tribute to the Socceroos legend.
"I can't stop thinking about the pain he must have been in," one friend wrote on social media.
"I don't think you realised how many lives you touched and how many people loved you," another wrote.
"I'll never forget you mate, love ya."
Image: Getty