Coffs Harbour: Heartbroken family of surfer stabbed to death at dawn break their silence with touching message as detectives step up the hunt for his killer: 'Healed with love'

The devastated family of a murdered young surfer who was stabbed multiple times in an early morning attack at a popular NSW beach have broken their silence.

Kye Schaefer, 21, was fatally stabbed in the neck and chest after leaving the surf at Park Beach on Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbour around 6.40am last Thursday.

He was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. 

Now his sister Mimi has spoken out to thank the first responders who fought to try to save her brother's life and the local community which has rallied around the family.

In a touching message, she told them: 'Tragedy can only be healed with love.'

She added: 'We would like to thank all involved on Thursday, our community went above and beyond to help our Kye.

'We will never forget the love and kindness we have been surrounded in since.

'Words cannot express the heartfelt gratitude we have for all the dedicated emergency and medical professionals.'

In the online update, Ms Schaefer encouraged those struggling to get through the trauma of the murder to seek support.

'We would also like to ask that if you are feeling anger and frustration, please reach out to your family, a mate or a community service for support,' she said.

On Tuesday, police revealed they had stepped up the hunt for Mr Schaefer's killer and were keen to find a man seen cycling near the scene.

Homicide detectives have now set up Strike Force Kooringaroo to find the killer.

'As investigation continue, strike force detectives are appealing to identify a man riding a bicycle in the area at the time of the incident,' said a spokesman.

'Detectives are also appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have dashcam footage in the vicinity of the Coffs Harbour Surf Club and the Orlando Street area at the time of the incident.'

A local man who was sleeping rough in the carpark on the morning of the attack said he saw Mr Schaefer slumped on the ground next to his car before emergency services arrived.

'I put my joggers on to go for a run and I just saw him. He looked like he was sitting down on the ground, up against his driver’s door,' the man told 7News.

'All I could see was his legs in his wetsuit. He just looked like he was sitting there, and I couldn’t see much more of him, except for his legs.

'Then I got back from my jog and there were cops who wouldn’t let me into the carpark. There were all these cops everywhere.'

The man said Mr Schaefer had been seen arriving at the beach early each morning over the past week.

The revelations come as Mr Schaefer’s family mourn the sudden and tragic loss of the young man with a 'heart of gold'.

A GoFundMe appeal was launched in the days following his death for donations to go towards the funeral expenses to assist the family during their grief. 

The fundraiser has raised over $22,000 of its $10,000 goal.

His uncle, Ralph, told 2GB radio his nephew had a 'gentle, caring nature'.

'He was a lovely young man,' he told Ben Fordham on Friday.

'He definitely had a mischievous side to him. He loved to laugh, but more than anything else he just had a heart of gold.'

Cowper MP Pat Conaghan wrote on social media after the attack that more needed to be done to stop violent knife crime.

'My thoughts this afternoon are with the family and friends of the young man stabbed to death on one of our region's beautiful beaches,' he said.

'With two sons myself, I can only imagine what you are going through.'

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia investigations continue.

'Police are pursuing several lines of inquiry as part of the investigation,' a spokesman added.

'This includes searches being conducted by Police Divers and other specialist units.'