Human remains were found on Jan. 28 near Philosopher Falls in Waratah during searches for 31-year-old Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who vanished on June 17, 2023. A pathologist has confirmed the remains are human and forensic testing will determine identity. The remains were located about 1.86 miles north-east of the Philosopher Falls car park by a volunteer searcher; authorities have notified Cremer's family and plan a press conference to share further details.
Human Remains Found Near Philosopher Falls During Search for Missing Belgian Tourist Celine Cremer
Celine CremerTasmania Police Facebook
Human remains were discovered on Jan. 28 near Philosopher Falls in Waratah during ongoing searches for 31-year-old Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, who disappeared on June 17, 2023, Tasmania Police said.
Discovery and Initial Findings
According to a police news release, a volunteer searcher located the remains about 1.86 miles north-east of the Philosopher Falls car park. A pathologist reviewed images of the find and confirmed the remains were human. Specialist forensic teams and officers from the Western District attended the scene to secure the area and begin a formal examination.
Tasmania Police search the Philosopher Falls area for Celine CremerTasmania Police Facebook
"A pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human," Inspector Andrew Hanson said. He added that the volunteer contacted police immediately after the discovery and that authorities have notified Cremer's family in Belgium.
Background And Ongoing Investigation
Cremer was last seen in the mining town of Waratah on June 17, 2023. Police believe she drove to Philosopher Falls, parked her car and set off on what was expected to be a short bushwalk. She was reported missing nine days later and her car was found the following day in the Philosopher Falls parking lot.
Forensic testing is required to determine whether the remains belong to Cremer. Police emphasized that while those involved hope the discovery will provide answers, formal analysis is needed before identity can be confirmed. A police press conference was scheduled for Jan. 29 to provide further information on the forensic examination and next steps.
Police during the search for Celine CremerTasmania Police Facebook
Search Efforts and Community Response
Volunteers have played a major role in the searches. The person who located the remains, bushwalker Jarrod Boys, had been participating in search efforts for some time. Boys told media outlets he saw bones "lying on top of a pile of soil and stones." Inspector Hanson praised volunteers' dedication and noted community support for the ongoing investigation.
Authorities previously noted that in the days after Cremer's disappearance the area experienced sub-zero temperatures, snow and heavy rain. At the time, medical experts advised those conditions would have been unlikely to be survivable for the duration Cremer was believed to have been exposed.
Philosopher Falls in TasmaniaGetty
Recent related developments: Cremer's phone was recovered at Philosopher Falls on Dec. 13, the first personal item found since her disappearance in 2023.
Police continue to investigate and are awaiting results from forensic examinations to confirm identity and cause. Anyone with information relevant to the case has been asked to contact Tasmania Police.
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