Remains found in Tasmania provisionally identified as missing Liège woman Céline Cremer
Human remains found in Tasmania have been provisionally identified as those of missing Belgian woman Céline Cremer, the Australian state’s police report.
Last month, a volunteer found human remains in a region on the island’s west coast, in the area where Cremer was last seen in 2023.
Tasmanian police now confirm that the remains have been “provisionally identified” as those of the missing woman from Liège. Experts’ findings provided “compelling evidence” that the remains are “probably” those of the Belgian woman.
The identification still needs to be confirmed by a forensic pathologist, but the search in the vicinity of the Arthur river will be called off.
"Today, our hearts are broken, but at the same time at peace. After all this time, Céline can finally come home"
On social media, Cremer’s sister Amelie Cremer said the news had brought the family “immense relief”. “After almost three years of endless waiting, we finally have answers,” she posted on Facebook.
"Today, our hearts are broken, but at the same time at peace. After all this time, Céline can finally come home. She will be able to rest in peace, surrounded by the love that never left her.”
Cremer was 31 when she was last seen on 17 June 2023 in the village of Waratah, about 10km from a hike to Philosopher Falls, a popular beauty spot. Her car was recovered from the car park that forms the starting point of the hiking trail at the edge of the nature reserve.
After police called off the official search, Cremer’s family hired a private investigator who led a group of volunteers, including some of her Belgian friends, to search the area where she went missing. The group found her phone in December and the remains were found a month later.
Police believe she may have attempted to reach the road where her car was parked by following the course of a river, thus deviating from the footpath. According to the volunteer who found the remains, they may have been carried away by the current and deposited downstream.
Tasmania Police search the area where Céline Cremer was last seen in 2023 © PHOTO BELGA HANDOUT / TASMANIA POLICE
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