New Clues Found in Search for Missing Backpacker Celine Cremer

Searchers have found human remains and a key belonging to Celine Cremer, a Belgian backpacker who went missing in Tasmania over two years ago. Tests are being done to confirm the identity of the remains. This is a big step in finding out what happened to her.
By Newsroom | Missing Persons, Tasmania |

A significant breakthrough has occurred in the prolonged search for Celine Cremer, a Belgian backpacker who vanished in Tasmania. Recent discoveries, including human remains and personal items, are providing crucial, albeit still incomplete, evidence in understanding her fate. These findings are reshaping the focus of the investigation and the theories surrounding her disappearance over two years ago.

New discovery searchers looking for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer had been waiting for is made - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Discoveries

Celine Cremer, a solo traveler from Belgium, disappeared while hiking to Philosopher Falls near Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Her car was found at the Philosopher Falls car park on June 26, 2025, after she failed to notify authorities of her solo journey, leading to a delay in her disappearance being reported. Initial extensive searches of the area yielded no results.

New discovery searchers looking for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer had been waiting for is made - 2

  • December 2025: A renewed search effort, involving friends from Belgium, began around Philosopher Falls.

  • December 13, 2025: Access to Ms. Cremer's mobile phone data, recovered from online servers with family permission, was granted to independent searchers.

  • Late December 2025: Searchers theorized that Ms. Cremer's phone may have slipped from her pocket while navigating dense vegetation.

  • January 2026: A bushwalker discovered remains, including a jawbone, in an area roughly two hours from where other possessions might have been found earlier.

  • January 28, 2026: A specialist team searching a 350-meter section of the Arthur River located further human remains and clothing.

  • January 30, 2026: Human remains and clothing were found.

  • Present: Forensic tests are underway to confirm the identity of the remains. A key found at the Arthur River site has been confirmed by Tasmanian Police Commander Nathan Johnston to belong to Ms. Cremer.

Evidence and Findings

The ongoing investigation hinges on several key pieces of evidence:

Read More: Delivery Driver Questioned, Then Let Go in Nancy Guthrie Case

New discovery searchers looking for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer had been waiting for is made - 3

  • Human Remains: Discovered in January 2026, these are currently undergoing forensic testing to determine if they belong to Celine Cremer. A jawbone was among the initial finds.

  • Personal Items: A key belonging to Ms. Cremer was located in a section of the Arthur River, a site of recent discoveries. Clothing and other human remains were also found in this area.

  • Mobile Phone: Ms. Cremer's Samsung phone was found in December 2025, nearly two-and-a-half years after her disappearance. Its data, accessed with family consent, has been instrumental in mapping her final known movements and has influenced search strategies.

  • Vehicle: Ms. Cremer's car was located at the Philosopher Falls car park shortly after her disappearance.

"While forensic tests are not yet completed on the bones, or an earlier batch found weeks ago, Tasmanian Police Commander Nathan Johnston said on Tuesday night it had been confirmed the key belonged to Ms Cremer." - Article 1

Search Strategies and Theories

The discoveries have led to evolving search strategies and hypotheses about Ms. Cremer's final hours.

Read More: Fife Man Missing, Then Seen Far Away

New discovery searchers looking for missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer had been waiting for is made - 4

  • Focus on the Arthur River: The recent location of remains and Ms. Cremer's key in a 350-meter stretch of the Arthur River has become a focal point for investigators.

  • Phone Data Analysis: Access to Ms. Cremer's phone data has allowed searchers to map her last known movements. A leading theory suggests she may have lost her phone while attempting to move through dense vegetation.

  • No Backtracking: One theory posits that Ms. Cremer, realizing she was out of mobile range, continued onward without attempting to backtrack, implying her belongings might be found in that direction.

  • Alternative Theories: While not explicitly detailed, the discovery of remains prompts ongoing investigation into all possibilities, including the potential for foul play, although police have not stated if this is suspected.

International Attention and Safety Recommendations

Ms. Cremer's disappearance has garnered international attention, highlighting concerns about safety for overseas visitors in remote areas.

  • Consular Updates: Belgian consular officials are reportedly updating travel-safety advisories for solo hikers, recommending the use of satellite beacons and route-registration applications.

  • Risk Management Advice: Firms specializing in risk management are suggesting mandatory wilderness-first-aid briefings and real-time location-sharing protocols for individuals venturing into non-urban areas.

Expert Analysis

The prolonged nature of Ms. Cremer's disappearance and the eventual discovery of remains underscore the challenges of wilderness searches.

  • Commander Nathan Johnston of Tasmanian Police has confirmed the identity of a key found at the Arthur River site as belonging to Ms. Cremer, indicating progress in the forensic examination.

  • The use of mobile phone data, even after a significant time lapse, has proven valuable in redirecting search efforts and refining theories. The challenge remains in correlating these digital footprints with physical evidence found in difficult terrain.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The discovery of human remains and Ms. Cremer's key represents the most significant development in the search to date. While these findings offer tangible leads, definitive confirmation awaits the completion of forensic analyses.

  • Forensic Testing: The primary next step involves completing all necessary forensic tests on the discovered remains and items to ascertain a positive identification and potentially provide more details about the circumstances of Ms. Cremer's demise.

  • Investigative Review: Based on the forensic outcomes, Tasmanian Police will likely review and potentially adjust their investigative strategies, including considering the implications of the location where the remains and key were found.

  • Family Notification: Authorities will provide updates to Ms. Cremer's family as forensic results become available.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What has been found in the search for Celine Cremer?
Human remains and a key belonging to her have been found.
Q: Where were the items found?
They were found near the Arthur River in Tasmania.
Q: What happens next?
Police are doing tests to confirm the identity of the remains and find out more about what happened.