BREAKING: Human remains discovered near Philosopher Falls in northwest Tasmania reignite the tragic case of missing Belgian hiker Selene Kramer, missing since June 2023. A dedicated volunteer bushwalker uncovered the skeletal remains this morning, confirmed by a pathologist. Forensic analysis is now underway to establish identity and cause of death.
The discovery occurred on January 28, 2026, in dense, rugged terrain about a kilometer from Philosopher Falls, where Selene was last seen. The remains were found scattered in thick undergrowth, their exposure likely due to over two years of weather and animal activity. Police secured the scene immediately.
Selene Kramer, 31, vanished after beginning a short hike at Philosopher Falls on June 17, 2023. She parked her rental Hyundai at the trackhead but never returned. Initial searches spanned weeks but were hindered by severe winter conditions, forcing a classification of misadventure. No foul play was suspected then or now.
This breakthrough owes much to private searchers and volunteers, including filmmaker Rob Parsons, who reignited efforts last December by recovering Selene’s phone just 500 meters from the scene. GPS data from the phone revealed she veered off the marked trail, likely following a navigation app attempting a shortcut back to her car.
The phone’s last signal ping was at 2:30 p.m. on June 17, 2023. After that, all communication ceased. Experts theorize Selene’s detour into offtrail terrain during a sudden cold front 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 her to lethal elements such as hypothermia and disorientation. The harsh Tasmanian weather and dense myrtle forest challenge even the most prepared hikers.
The skeletal remains were found without clothing or belongings, consistent with prolonged exposure and scavenger activity. Preliminary pathologist review via photographs confirmed the bones are human. DNA samples, dental records sent from Belgium, and forensic anthropology examinations are now underway at the Royal Hobart Hospital mortuary.
Inspector Andrew Hansen confirmed the discovery to the public, emphasizing that no evidence of criminal activity has been found. Official statements maintain the tragic misadventure hypothesis, citing the intact car and belongings, absence of struggle, and the GPS trail that aligns with the remains’ location.
Volunteers have played a pivotal role in this case. Months of tireless searching, grid mapping, and community fundraising kept the hope alive. The volunteer who discovered the remains was reportedly overwhelmed by the find, underscoring the emotional weight carried by those involved in the long search.
The forensic process is meticulous and time-consuming. Anthropologists will determine age, 𝒔𝒆𝒙, stature, and other identifying markers. Dental comparisons and DNA testing, including nuclear and mitochondrial analysis, aim to confirm Selene’s identity within days or weeks, depending on the sample quality and decomposition state.
This case highlights the lethal hazards of Tasmania’s wilderness, where sudden weather changes, rugged terrain, and misleading GPS navigation apps can quickly turn a routine hike into a fatal ordeal. The search for Selene Kramer underscores the critical importance of preparedness and caution in remote environments.
Tasmania’s community and officials continue to support Selene’s family in Belgium, who have endured over two and a half years of agonizing uncertainty. Police have assured ongoing communication, offering counseling and assistance as the forensic investigations progress toward providing closure.
The press conference planned for January 29, 2026, will present forensic findings without speculation. Authorities will detail the discovery, forensic steps, and acknowledge the extraordinary volunteer efforts. Any final confirmation of identity and cause of death will await thorough scientific verification.
This discovery closes a chapter on the active search but opens a new phase of forensic inquiry. It also serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of remote bushland across Australia, where countless others remain missing and vulnerable to the wild’s indifferent forces.
Selene Kramer’s case is among many recent disappearances in Tasmania and broader Australia, where deep forests and harsh climates challenge search and rescue teams. Incidents like those of Daryl Fong and Peter Willoughby reflect a pattern of tragic misadventure in the wilderness, driven by environmental unpredictability.
The volunteer-driven efforts in Selene’s case exemplify how community dedication can move cold cases forward. From analyzing phone data to organizing coordinated searches, civilians and professionals worked in unison, overcoming terrain and weather obstacles to uncover the truth long after official search teams paused operations.
While forensic analysis will ultimately confirm identity and cause of death, the consistency of evidence points toward exposure and accidental fall rather than foul play. Authorities remain cautious, respecting scientific rigor and the sensitivities of Selene’s family awaiting definitive answers from the labs.
Tasmania police underscore the significance of this discovery amid a larger conversation about wilderness safety, search resources, and public awareness. They reiterate simple but vital precautions for hikers: carrying personal locator beacons, informing others of routes and expected return times, and exercising extreme caution when navigating off established trails.
The community remains on edge waiting for forensic results, balancing hopeful anticipation with the somber reality of this grim find. For Selene’s loved ones, this news reshapes years of limbo into a painful but necessary step toward closure and remembrance.
Tasmania’s rugged wilderness doesn’t discriminate. It claims both locals and tourists, experienced hikers and casual walkers alike. Selene Kramer’s tragic demise acts as a solemn warning: even the most prepared adventurers are vulnerable to nature’s swift and relentless forces.
As the investigation unfolds, police and volunteers alike stress the importance of respecting the land’s dangers and learning from such cases. The collective goal remains preventing future disappearances through education, preparedness, and improved search-and-rescue capabilities.
For now, the human story of loss, endurance, and community spirit in Selene Kramer’s case draws a veil of solemnity over Tasmania’s wild landscapes. The searchers’ rare breakthrough after years of uncertainty honors her memory and fuels the hope of answers for other families still waiting.
This is a developing story. Tasmania Police promise further updates following the upcoming press conference. Forensic results will guide final conclusions. Until then, the community holds its breath in respect for Selene, the volunteer who found her remains, and all who have been touched by this tragic saga.