Remains found in hunt for backpacker two years after mysterious disappearance after phone discovery sparks new search

HUMAN remains have been found after the discovery of a phone sparked a new search for a missing backpacker – two years after she disappeared.

Celine Cremer, 31, was last seen walking near a mountain in Australia before she disappeared.

Police have been baffled by the sudden disappearance of a Belgian tourist who was last seen in the Philosopher Falls area of ​​north-west Tasmania on June 17, 2023.

Now human remains have been found by a bushwalker near Celine’s last known location.

Tasmania POLICE Inspector Andrew Hanson said the remains were discovered as he scoured the area as part of ongoing efforts to find missing tourist.

He said: “While forensic testing has not yet been completed, a pathologist has reviewed the images and confirmed that the remains are human.

“The volunteer contacted the police immediately after the discovery and officers from the Western District are responding to the scene along with specialist forensics staff.”

Celine’s family learned of the terrifying discovery this afternoon.

Hanson added that he hopes the discovery, while disturbing, will help provide the answers her relatives have been desperately seeking.

The police officer also reiterated that the remains have not yet been formally identified.

He said: “We understand how distressing this development may be for her loved ones, and while everyone involved hopes this will help provide answers, a formal forensic analysis is required before we can determine whether the remains are Celine’s.”

“The person who found these remains has been searching for Celine for some time and their continued efforts and those of other volunteer search groups reflect the strong community support behind this cause.”

Jarrod Boys, who found the remains, he told ABC: “I was just praying for a miracle that I could find something today.”

“I guess I was in shock. I was very devastated.”

“I’m not a particularly emotional guy, but yeah, it was definitely an emotional experience for me.

It comes after a breakthrough discovery last month when a determined group of volunteers – including Celine’s family and friends from Belgium – found her mobile phone.

The remains were discovered about two hours’ walk from where the phone was – an area the search party had not yet covered.

Finder Jarrod said: “The bones I saw were lying on top of a pile of dirt and stones.”

Despite months of fruitless searching, the Samsung phone was found “less than 100 meters from her last known GPS point,” Tasmanian explorer Rob Parsons said.

A photo of the bomb showed the phone as it was found under the foil.

Parsons added: “This proves the theory that Celine lost her phone shortly after recording her final location and provides a clear direction on the path she was heading.

“Although there is still work to be done before full closure, this is a significant step forward.”

The backpacker is believed to have gone bushwalking near Philosopher Falls but got lost while trying to get back to her car.

Celine’s empty white Honda CRV was discovered in a nearby parking lot.

The rescue team member who found the phone, Tony Hage, said of his shock discovery: “I couldn’t speak. I just couldn’t speak.”