Partial remains have been found that are believed to belong to the backpacker who went missing three years ago during a solo hike.

Celine Cremer, 31, was reported missing in 2023 after she failed to return from her trek, prompting an extensive search and growing concern for her safety.

Authorities confirmed the remains have been “provisionally identified” as Cremer’s, with expert reports providing compelling supporting evidence.

Despite months of search efforts, investigators were unable to locate any trace of her, and her disappearance left many unanswered questions.

In a recent breakthrough, a private search team made up of volunteers uncovered personal items, including fragments of skeletal material, teeth, her mobile phone and clothing in a remote wilderness area — a significant development that renewed investigative efforts.

Cremer was last seen heading out near Philosopher’s Falls in Waratah, in Tasmania’s remote northwest.

Tasmania Police Commander Nathan Johnston extended condolences to her family and loved ones.

“While this provisional confirmation will not ease their loss, we hope it provides some measure of clarity and closure,” he said.

He also acknowledged the strong community support behind the search, thanking rescue teams and volunteers who dedicated substantial time and resources throughout multiple search phases.

For months, her disappearance puzzled investigators after early searches did not uncover clear evidence of what had occurred.

Search crews faced challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain, freezing temperatures and snow, which limited access to parts of the terrain.

After the official search concluded, Cremer’s family continued their efforts.

They engaged a private investigator who helped coordinate volunteers to carefully search the rugged landscape, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Some volunteers joined after watching videos shared by a local filmmaker documenting the case, the ABC reported.

Her mobile phone was later located by family friends and volunteers.

It was found less than 100 metres from her last known GPS location, Tasmanian explorer Rob Parsons said.

He explained: “This supports the idea that Celine may have lost her phone shortly after recording her final location and provides direction regarding the route she may have taken.

“While there is still work to be done, this represents meaningful progress.”

Volunteer Tony Hage, who discovered the phone, described the emotional moment: “I couldn’t speak. It was overwhelming. Finding a phone in that area felt incredibly significant.”

Authorities believe Cremer may have chosen the Philosopher Falls track as a direct path back to her vehicle.

Investigators suggest she may have dropped her phone and continued walking, possibly becoming disoriented in dense terrain.

It was nine days before police were notified that she was missing.

Her car was later found at the Philosopher Falls carpark on June 26, shortly before severe winter weather moved into the region.

Officials noted that in the days following her disappearance, the area experienced subzero temperatures, snowfall and heavy rainfall.

Medical experts at the time indicated that prolonged exposure to such conditions would pose serious risks.

The initial search continued for two weeks, with additional searches conducted multiple times over the past two years, until this recent discovery.