A chilling new theory over what happened to backpacker Celine Cremer has emerged in the days after human remains were found scattered along a riverbed in the Tasmanian wilderness.
The Belgian national was 31 when she vanished from the Philosopher Falls hiking trail near Waratah, 300km northwest of Hobart, in June 2023.
She was reported missing on June 26, and police commenced a search of the area – hampered by freezing, wet winter weather.
The official search was abandoned a short time after, in early July 2023, when it was determined she would not have been able to survive the harsh conditions.
At the time, police did not rule out foul play, but believed it was far more likely Celine had accidentally wandered from the trail, become disoriented in the thick foliage, and died from hypothermia.
After the discovery of what are likely Celine’s bones in two locations along the Arthur River last week, it now appears she may have drowned in a desperate attempt to find the trail back to her vehicle.
Photos of the renewed search shared by Tasmania Police show officers traversing the river – which is at a much lower level than when Celine disappeared and is filled with debris, including fallen logs.
There is speculation that she may have tried to cross the Arthur River using downed trees, but possibly slipped and drowned, with her body becoming trapped among the debris.
Human remains discovered in Tasmania are believed to be that of missing Celine Cremer
Police found bones and items in an isolated section of Arthur River in the state’s northwest
The images show how easily it would have been for Celine to become trapped in debris
After two-and-a-half years submerged in the river, her body would have decayed to the point that her bones separated and washed downstream.
The discovery of the bones comes after a team of volunteers, led by Australian private investigator Ken Gamble, and joined by four of Celine’s Belgian friends, scoured the area over five days in December.
The private search team was assembled after Tasmanian YouTuber Rob Parsons posted a series of videos retracing Celine’s steps using mobile phone data provided by Mr Gamble.
The group found Celine’s mauve Samsung mobile phone, and later found a glass water bottle and a black garbage bag that may have been fashioned into a poncho, which were sent for forensic testing.
When the search concluded, many local volunteers vowed to continue alone.
On January 28, Tasmanian man Jarrod Boys – one of the volunteers in Mr Gamble’s group – spotted human remains, which he believed to be a female jawbone, in the riverbed.
His spine-tingling discovery was made around 2.5km downstream from Philosopher Falls, suggesting Celine lost her phone, and may have attempted to follow the river or even cross it to get out of her predicament.
Police swooped on the area, winching personnel into the isolated wilderness via helicopter.
A map shows the approximate location where human remains were found in late January
Celine had been hiking at Philosopher Falls near the town of Waratah
Celine’s devastated family in Belgium are now waiting on forensic testing results
On January 30, they found a further five items in the water, also believed to be human remains.
Tasmanian police Commander Nathan Johnston said a polar fleece jacket, a bra and a thermal top had also been found, along with more bones.
‘Whilst further forensic examination will need to be conducted to confirm the identity, due to the nature of the items located, and the location, we believe they are Celine’s,’ Commander Johnston said.
It is understood Celine’s mother in Belgium has been advised forensic testing will take more than three weeks.
Mr Gamble was approached for comment on the possibility that Celine may have drowned.
‘At this stage, it is far too early to draw any definitive conclusions about what happened to Celine. What can be said is that the discovery of scattered remains in and around sections of the Arthur River suggests a possibility that she may have entered the water at some point,’ he said.
‘The Arthur River system contains numerous natural obstructions formed by fallen timber and debris, which can significantly affect water flow.
‘Over time, these natural features, combined with changing river levels and seasonal weather conditions, can result in remains becoming trapped, released, and dispersed downstream.
Volunteer searcher Jarrod Boys spotted human remains on January 28
The December search was led by private investigator Ken Gamble, centre
‘This is a recognised natural process in river environments, but it should not be interpreted as a conclusion about what occurred in Celine’s case.
‘The investigation is ongoing, and it’s important that any interpretation is guided by forensic evidence rather than speculation. Out of respect for Celine’s family, we are being cautious and measured in what we say publicly.’
