'Own up': Parents urge son's beach killer to come forward

The 21-year-old died in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed on Coffs Harbour's Ocean Parade before 6.40am on May 2 following an early morning surf.

The family made a public plea for information regarding Mr Schaefer's alleged murder, as police continue to investigate, saying "just be honest and own up to your mistakes in life... everyone makes them".

Kye's mother Pam Schaefer said "if you think of anything at all - you may not think it is important: yet it might be something that makes the difference".

She shared the family's heartache saying "no words can describe how we're feeling, the sheer loss of our faith in humanity".

"The love and support our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that's what's kept us out of this black hole."

The Coffs Harbour community has rallied around the family with 250 people contributing to a fundraiser in Kye's memory reaching more than $26,000 in 12 days.

Kye's father Tony Schaefer said "the local community have been so supportive. We thank everyone very much for the assistance and help given us through these hard times".

"Words cannot express the heartfelt gratitude we have for all the dedicated emergency and medical professionals," the family said on the fundraising page.

"We thank the police for all that they are doing to help us make sense of a senseless situation and their efforts to help us maintain our privacy while we get our heads around this."

"Tragedy can only be healed with love."

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Support is available for those who may be distressed: