His mum Sharron Rooney said the family were notified human remains had been found at Hardy Mountain in British Columbia a few weeks ago. 

She said DNA results confirmed the bones belonged to Owen. 

“We have come together as a family to receive the news via a phone appointment,” she said. 

“Emotionally digesting this news is challenging.

“We take solace in the fact that we can bring him home to us. Our resolution has been given.” 

Mrs Rooney said the family was thankful for the love and support they had received since Owen’s disappearance seven years ago. 

“Many people have loved and shared Owen’s short and fulfilled life,” she said. 

“He was so loved. This has given us the ability to continue our connection, perseverance and strength to this day."

Mrs Rooney spoke with the Milton Ulladulla Times on Tuesday, June 11 and said she would not know anymore information until a coroner completed an investigation into his death. 

He went missing after attending the Shambala Music Festival on a property in British Columbia. He got into a fight outside the festival and was taken to Grand Forks Hospital with head injures, before disappearing without a trace. 

Owen’s parents Sharron and Steve Rooney, along with three siblings, searched the remote towns and villages in British Columbia and worked alongside Canadian detectives in the hope of finding Owen. 

At the time, the 24-year-old was living in Kelowna British Columbia. He would now be aged in his early 30s.

Owen’s family put up many posted throughout Canada and held interviews with Canadian and local media in an effort to find answers. 

They were unsuccessful until July 2017. 

Mrs Rooney thanked Grand Folks Search and Rescue for their “bravery and diligence in bringing Owen home”. 

“For all those missing family members, may you find peace in your hearts,” she said. 

“Ambiguity is not easy and we send much love.”