Niamh Maye, the adored progeny of Brian and Anne May from Armidale, New South Wales, was last sighted on 30 March 2002, at the tender age of 18. Niamh was engaged in fruit picking during her gap year, diligently saving funds for a film production course at the University.
Her father, Brian, spoke of her with profound fondness in 2020, expressing how they miss their enchanting, affectionate, mischievous, and delightful daughter, sister, and aunt every single day, pondering about the life she could have embraced.
According to reports, Niamh’s last known departure was from a campground in Jingellic, approximately 520 km south-east of Sydney, accompanied by only one individual. The person in question was an acquaintance whom Niamh had encountered while picking fruit earlier that year. He offered her a ride from Jingellic to Tumut, a regional town, and purportedly dropped her off on the side of Gocup Road. This individual was driving a black HT Holden Hearse, and he stood as the final witness to Niamh’s presence.
Before vanishing, Niamh informed her mother of her intentions to visit her sister’s residence in Sydney, with a plan to spend Easter with the family. She might have considered hitchhiking the 36 km to Gundagia, then continuing her journey by coach or hitchhiking to Sydney, as there were no direct trains from Gundagai to Sydney.
Despite exhaustive investigations and the involvement of a clairvoyant, no one has ever been indicted in connection to Niamh’s disappearance. In 2005, a massive ground search was conducted in the Tumut area by 50 police officers, numerous volunteers, and Niamh’s family. They meticulously combed through 25 square kilometers of rugged bushland on horseback, motorcycles, and foot, but neither Niamh’s belongings nor any trace of her body was ever discovered.
In 2012, a coronial inquest concluded that Niamh fell victim to homicide on 31 March 2002. The sole suspect in the case was a fellow fruit picker who had given her a lift to Tumut, Jason Niklasen. Niklasen was arrested for a violent rape in October 2002 in Brisbane, QLD, and tragically passed away on the day of his arrest, reportedly falling to his death while being escorted to his cell by two officers. NSW police had named Niklasen as a suspect in Niamh’s disappearance six months prior, stating that his demise hindered their ongoing investigations.
In recent developments, the Maye family has called for a review of Niamh’s case, prompting the police to commence a search on a property near Tumut in August 2021. Niamh’s family has been actively searching for her, ensuring that her story remains in the spotlight and that her name is never forgotten. They actively maintain a Facebook page, continuously renewing public interest in her case through the media. The family recently appeared on an episode of ABC’s “You can’t ask that,” a TV series where individuals with somewhat taboo life experiences respond to anonymous questions.
In conclusion, we fervently hope that Niamh may find eternal peace, and we acknowledge the fortitude and resilience displayed by her family. Our deepest wish is that the recent police investigations bring closure to Niamh’s family and cast light upon the mystery of her disappearance.
A reward of $250,000, sanctioned by the NSW Government, has been declared for any information that may lead to the apprehension and subsequent conviction in connection with the disappearance of Niamh Maye in the southern region of the state two decades ago, or for any information that may result in the discovery of her remains.
Niamh Maye, aged 18 at the time, was last sighted near Jingellic on the 30th of March, 2002, with intentions to board a bus from Batlow to the train station at Cootamundra, en route to her sister’s residence in Sydney. Since then, she has neither been seen nor heard from, giving rise to suspicions of foul play.
At the time of her vanishing, Niamh was in possession of personal effects contained within a backpack, comprising attire, photographic apparatus, camping paraphernalia, and culinary utensils, none of which have ever been recovered.
The inception of Strike Force Yola by officers from the Riverina Police District ensued, engaging in thorough investigations both contemporaneously and over the ensuing years, alongside public pleas for information pertaining to Niamh’s whereabouts. Regrettably, these efforts have failed to yield any success in locating her.
In a bid to encourage individuals possessing pertinent knowledge to come forth, law enforcement authorities have recently (Wednesday, 21st June 2023) announced a bounty of a quarter million dollars for information leading to the discovery of Niamh’s remains or facilitating an arrest and subsequent conviction.
Expressing optimism regarding the efficacy of the incentive, Superintendent Andrew Spliet, Commander of the Riverina Police District, articulated: “Even the most seemingly insignificant detail could serve as the crucial piece of the puzzle necessary to locate Niamh and, at long last, afford her family the closure they so earnestly seek."
“Today marks Niamh’s 40th birthday, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the persistent yearning for resolution," Superintendent Spliet remarked. "It is imperative that her family be granted the solace of commemorating her life without the shroud of uncertainty clouding their celebrations."
He continued, "Our commitment to Niamh remains resolute; we shall not relent until closure is attained."
Presently residing in a retirement community in Sydney at the age of 82, Anne Maye, Niamh’s mother, articulated the profound longing for closure pervading her family’s sentiments. “Today should have marked Niamh’s 40th birthday, a milestone to be celebrated with loved ones. Yet, instead, we are left to mourn the absence of her radiant spirit and the irreplaceable moments that have been so cruelly snatched away from us."
She added, "Our fervent desire is to locate Niamh and accord her the dignified repose she merits. I implore anyone possessing pertinent information to come forward and assist in bringing an end to this protracted ordeal."
“Inexpressible is the significance of Niamh within our familial fabric. Her absence has left an indelible void, one we are resolute in bridging. We remain hopeful that this reward shall furnish the long-awaited answers we have tirelessly pursued for over two decades," Mrs. Maye concluded.
As investigations under Strike Force Yola persist, individuals possessing any information conducive to the resolution of this matter are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, with the option of anonymity assured.
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