The family of missing Australian Rye Hunt are angry and distressed after Brazilian media texted them a photo of a dead body and asked them to verify if it was him.
Brazilian police have confirmed a body suspected to be that of the missing backpacker has been found on a remote beach near Rio de Janeiro, but it is yet to be identified.
"It is with disbelief and disgust that photos of the body have been published in the media in Brazil and been sent directly via text message to family by journalists asking for verification," the family said in a statement.
"Please respect our privacy at this time."
It is believed Mr Hunt's uncle, Michael Wholohan, who is in Rio de Janeiro to help in the search for his nephew, has already given a DNA sample to police.
Mr Hunt went missing after he separated from his travelling companion Mitchell Sheppard following an argument after the two had taken what is suspected to be a highly potent hallucinogen known as NBOMe.
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