After nearly three years of searching in Australia's Tasmania, the remains of missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer have been "provisionally identified." Police announced on Friday that the evidence is "compelling." The woman went on a solo hike to Philosopher Falls waterfall in an ancient rainforest in 2023 and disappeared. Her family reported that despite the pain, the identification also brought relief and closure to the case. An official confirmation of identity will require a coroner's ruling. Articles highlight the involvement of many volunteers in private searches.

Provisional identification of remains

Tasmania Police reported that human remains found in January near Philosopher Falls waterfall have been "provisionally identified" as belonging to 31-year-old Belgian Celine Cremer. Commander Nathan Johnston indicated that expert analysis, including DNA testing and dental opinions, provided "compelling evidence."

Three-year search and discoveries

Celine Cremer disappeared in June 2023 during a solo hike in an ancient rainforest in northwestern Tasmania. Despite intensive searches conducted by police and other services, no trace was found at the time. The remains, along with personal items, were only discovered during private searches involving dozens of volunteers in recent months.

Family reaction and next steps

Cremer's family stated in a declaration that after "three years of endless waiting," they finally have certainty. Her sister wrote on social media that the identification brings immense pain, but also relief and allows Celine to "rest in peace." The case will now go to the coroner for official identification.

Tasmania Police announced on Friday the provisional identification of human remains found in January near Philosopher Falls waterfall in northwestern Tasmania. "Expert analysis has provided compelling evidence" indicating they belong to Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who went missing in 2023 – said Commander Nathan Johnston. The 31-year-old Cremer disappeared in June 2023 during a solo hike in an ancient rainforest. Her disappearance was reported several days after her planned return from the trip. Tasmania, an island state of Australia, is renowned for its vast and often hard-to-access wilderness areas, including UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural heritage sites. The island is a popular destination for adventure-seeking tourists, which sometimes leads to disappearances, especially in remote regions with harsh climates. Police and rescue services conducted intensive searches for many months, which yielded no results. The breakthrough came thanks to a private initiative involving dozens of volunteers. It was they who discovered bones, teeth, a mobile phone, and the woman's clothing in recent months, prompting authorities to resume and intensify their efforts. Cremer's family, after consulting with police, agreed to the announcement of the provisional identification. In a statement, the family wrote of "three years of endless waiting" that ended with tragic certainty. The missing woman's sister added on social media that while the news brings immense pain, it also provides relief and allows Celine to "rest in peace." She also thanked everyone involved in the searches for their "tireless efforts."„"While this provisional confirmation will not ease their loss, we hope the outcome will provide them with some measure of clarity and closure."” — Nathan Johnston The case has been referred to the coroner, who will make the official identification and investigate the circumstances of death. Commander Johnston also thanked community members for their continued support and interest in Cremer's case, highlighting the enormous contribution of search and rescue personnel, partner agencies, and volunteers who dedicated significant time and resources during many phases of the search.

Mentioned People

  • Celine Cremer — 31-year-old Belgian tourist who disappeared in June 2023 while hiking in Tasmania.
  • Nathan Johnston — Commander of Tasmania Police, who announced the provisional identification of the remains and offered condolences to the family.