Coroner attributes Belgian hiker's Tasmanian death to a chain of mistakes

In a finding delivered today, Coroner Madeleine Wilson ruled that Belgian visitor Celine Cremer died by accident in Tasmania's north-west after becoming disoriented while attempting to return to her vehicle. The investigation confirmed that the skeletal remains discovered along the Arthur River belong to Cremer and excluded any foul play. After Tasmania Police ended a ten-day search, Cremer's family hired private investigator Ken Gamble, whose volunteer group located her phone and later her body.

Items recovered, including a glass bottle and plastic bags, tested positive for male DNA but did not link to Cremer. Wilson praised the private search effort, noted the initial police response was limited by high river levels, and urged the police to develop formal protocols for using private search teams. She also recommended additional signage on the trail and reminded hikers of standard safety guidelines issued by Tasmania Police and the Parks and Wildlife Service.