FORMER Newcastle Jets player and Socceroo Stephen Laybutt has been found dead after a search was launched to find the missing 46-year-old.
Laybutt, was last seen about 9pm on Friday January 12 at a home in Casuarina where he was visiting friends.
When he couldn't be located or contacted on Saturday morning, he was reported missing to police.
Following inquiries by police officers attached to Tweed/Byron police district, his vehicle - a silver Mercedes - was located about 11.30am Saturday at shops in Cabarita.
An extensive search was launched and his body was located in bushland near Cabarita about 7pm Sunday January 14.
The circumstances surrounding his death are not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Laybutt played 15 matches for the Socceroos from 2000 to 2004 before a ruptured Achilles tendon ended his career while playing for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League in 2008.
A central defender, he started his career at Wollongong Wolves in 1995 and played for three other national-league clubs before joining the Jets.
He also played professionally abroad in Japan, Norway, Belgium and Holland.
He made 10 appearances for the Jets in their 2007-08 championship-winning team, including seven in the starting line-up, but did not feature in the finals campaign.
His last game at professional level was for the Jets in a 2-1 win against Central Coast in January, 2008.
Tributes from the football community have already started to roll in.
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson mourned the loss of the former Socceroo.
"Stephen's journey from domestic leagues to the international stage exemplified dedication, skill, and the spirit of Australian football," Mr Johnson
"His contributions to the Socceroos, especially during the OFC Nations Cup victories and the Sydney 2000 Olympics, have left a lasting legacy in our football community.
"We remember Stephen not just for his accomplishments on the field but also for his character and the positive influence he had on those around him. He will forever be remembered as part of the Socceroos family and will be deeply missed."
Football Australia chair Anter Isaac said Laybutt represented the very best of Australian football through his talent, perseverance and commitment to excellence.
"His memorable performances for the Socceroos and his significant role in pivotal victories will forever be etched in the annals of our football history," Mr Isaac said.
"Stephen's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Australian footballers. [His] passing is a profound loss for the football community in Australia and beyond."
The Newcastle Jets released a short statement, saying the club's thoughts are with their former clubman's friends and family.
"Laybutt, 46, was a member of the Newcastle Jets squad during the 2007/08 season and made 10 appearances for the club. Laybutt, who played as a centre-back, also represented the Socceroos, making 15 appearances for the national team, scoring one goal," the Jets said.
"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."
Football NSW released this statement:
"Football NSW was saddened to hear the news of the tragic passing of former Socceroo and ex-Wollongong Wolves Football Club and Sydney Olympic FC defender Stephen Laybutt.
"Representing the country on 15 occasions, Stephen played in the old National Soccer League with the Wollongong Wolves and Sydney Olympic as well as the Brisbane Strikers and Parramatta Power.
"The former AIS graduate was known as one of the toughest defenders in the league and always played with his heart on his sleeve.
"Football NSW wishes to send its deepest condolences to the Laybutt family. May he rest in heavenly peace."
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