Grief has boiled over into raw anger for the family of Perth FIFO worker William “Bill” Carter, whose body was discovered near Trigg Beach on December 16, 2025, ending a 10-day search that gripped Western Australia. The 25-year-old’s heartbroken mother, Jenny O’Byrne, has broken her silence—not only to mourn her beloved son but to publicly condemn unauthorized GoFundMe campaigns set up in his name, insisting they imply family consent that was never given and adding unnecessary pain during their darkest hour.

The tragedy began on December 6 when Ms O’Byrne dropped Bill at Perth Airport’s Terminal 3 around 12:40pm after a cheerful brunch at a Kelmscott cafe. The pair snapped a now-poignant selfie—Bill smiling widely—just minutes before parting. He was due to fly to a Pilbara mining site near Karratha, but never boarded. Instead, after lingering at the airport, he took a taxi to Trigg Beach, where he was last seen near the surf club about 2:40pm, carrying a small backpack and dressed casually.

Concerns escalated when his employer reported he missed his shift—described as “unprecedented” by colleagues. Family revealed Bill had been facing mental health challenges, recently coming off anti-anxiety medication and dealing with a “situational crisis.” Ms O’Byrne, a longtime nurse, described her son as a “quiet, affable chap” who was widely loved but had been quieter lately after the demanding FIFO lifestyle wore him down.

WA Police confirmed the grim find on Tuesday, stating formal identification was pending but the body was believed to be Bill’s. His death is not treated as suspicious, with a report prepared for the coroner. The discovery brought closure but deepened the devastation for his mum Jenny, dad, sister, partner Janae Williamson, and extended family.

Amid an outpouring of community tributes—social media flooded with memories of the slim-built, blue-eyed young man who loved family holidays and beach time—unauthorized fundraisers emerged. One, launched by the parents of Bill’s partner Janae, aimed to cover funeral costs, describing him as a “deeply valued part of our family” and noting the “emotional and financial strain” of loss.

But Ms O’Byrne fired back forcefully: “It has come to our attention that some GoFundMe pages have been set up, tacitly implying our consent to ask the public for money to donate to his funeral costs.” She expressed deep concern that “people purporting to be close to Bill” would solicit donations so soon after his passing, urging the public not to contribute. “We are totally saddened by this,” she added, emphasizing the family would never seek financial help and appreciating the genuine support shown during the search.

The backlash has stunned locals, sparking debates about boundaries in grief. While well-intentioned, the campaigns—without direct family approval—have been seen by Ms O’Byrne as exploitative, turning private mourning public in ways that inflict more hurt. “Please don’t do this in my son’s name,” her plea echoes through statements, highlighting how tragedy can attract unintended controversy.

Bill’s story resonates deeply in WA’s mining heartland, home to thousands of FIFO workers enduring isolation, long rosters, and emotional tolls linked to higher mental health risks. Colleagues and online communities mourned the loss of another young life, with Reddit threads calling FIFO “soul-destroying” for gentle souls needing strong support. Advocates renewed pushes for better on-site counseling and wellness checks.

Ms O’Byrne shared cherished photos to remember Bill at his happiest—grinning on a Zambia holiday with dad and sister, or perched on a beach rock. “This is a really happy one,” she said of one image, contrasting the vibrant young man with recent struggles. Tributes poured in, praising his easygoing nature and the void left behind.

As Christmas looms—a time Ms O’Byrne noted can feel especially lonely—the family focuses on private healing. Police inquiries continue, but attention turns to preventing similar tragedies. Bill’s case underscores the hidden pressures of FIFO life: High pay but high cost to wellbeing.

The Perth community rallies with quiet respect, honoring a son taken too soon. Ms O’Byrne thanked search efforts and genuine love shown, vowing to carry Bill’s memory forward without exploitation.

His final selfie with mum—full of smiles—now symbolizes joy interrupted, a reminder to check on mates and seek help early.