Human Remains, Clothing, and Car Key Believed to Belong to Celine Cremer Found in Tasmania
Police and volunteers have located human remains, personal clothing, and a car key believed to belong to Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who disappeared in Tasmania's north-west in June 2023. The discoveries were made during renewed search operations in the Arthur River area, near Philosopher Falls. Forensic testing is currently underway to formally confirm identity.
The discoveries, including human remains, personal clothing, and a car key, were made during renewed search operations in the Arthur River area. Forensic testing is ongoing to formally confirm identity.
Disappearance and Initial Search
Celine Cremer, 31, a Belgian national, was last seen on June 17, 2023, before embarking on a planned bushwalk near Philosopher Falls in Tasmania's north-west. Her family reported her missing on June 26, 2023, and her white Honda car was subsequently located at the Philosopher Falls car park on June 27, 2023.
An initial two-week search operation, involving Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service ground crews, swift water rescue personnel, drones, and a helicopter, was conducted in June 2023. This search, which included operations in the Arthur River, faced significant challenges due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain.
After nine days, the operation was suspended, with authorities assessing that survival would have been unlikely given the severe weather and freezing temperatures. Initial theories suggested Ms. Cremer may have left the marked track, become disoriented by the terrain, and been unable to return to safety.
Renewed Search Efforts and Early Clues
A private search operation, aided by volunteers and Ms. Cremer's friends, recommenced in December 2023. During this renewed effort, Ms. Cremer's mobile phone was located approximately 300 meters from the walking track, in thick shrub. Other personal items, including a water bottle and a plastic bag potentially used as a poncho, were also found.
These discoveries led to updated theories, suggesting Ms. Cremer may have become disoriented after walking off the track on a cold afternoon, possibly losing her phone, and attempting to follow a gully towards the Arthur River.
Discovery of Remains and Personal Clothing
In late January 2024, a volunteer bushwalker discovered human bones, including a lower jawbone, in a riverbed approximately 3 kilometers north-east of where Ms. Cremer's water bottle had been found. This location was downstream from Philosopher Falls, near the Arthur River.
Following this discovery, Tasmania Police commenced further searches in the Arthur River area, utilizing low water levels. Police subsequently located additional human remains along with clothing items, including a polar fleece jacket, a thermal top, and a bra. These items were found in close proximity to one another, approximately 2.5 kilometers from Philosopher Falls and about 500 meters from the initial human remains.
Commander Nathan Johnston stated that while formal forensic confirmation was pending, "the location and nature of the items indicated they were likely associated with Ms. Cremer."
Search efforts continued with police teams deployed by helicopter to examine sections of the Arthur River.
Latest Finds and Formal Verification
Over a two-day operation in early February 2024, a specialist search team systematically explored a 350-meter segment of the Arthur River. During this operation, five additional bones, two teeth, and a Honda car key were recovered.
Tasmania Police subsequently formally verified that the discovered car key belongs to Celine Cremer. Authorities noted that many of these items were situated beneath debris and embedded within the riverbed.
Search personnel, including Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics, accessed the area by winching. Due to adverse weather conditions, the team was required to camp overnight before being extracted.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Liaison
All recovered human remains and personal items are undergoing forensic testing, which authorities anticipate will take several weeks to confirm identity.
Tasmania Police continue to liaise with Ms. Cremer's family in Belgium, providing updates on the search efforts. The State Coroner will ultimately be responsible for determining the circumstances of Ms. Cremer's disappearance based on the gathered evidence.
Investigators continue to explore theories that Ms. Cremer became lost after losing her phone and may have moved towards the river.