Overview
- Coroner Madeleine Wilson handed down the findings on Friday, August 28, 2026, concluding Cremer died accidentally after a series of mistakes rather than because of another person.
- The coroner said Cremer left the marked Philosopher Falls track late in the afternoon, lost her mobile phone in fading light, wore inadequate clothing in near‑freezing conditions and likely became disoriented before moving toward the Arthur River.
- Private searchers led by IFW Global located Cremer’s phone in December 2025 and independent searcher Jarrod Boys found the first human remains on January 28, 2026, discoveries that prompted police to rejoin the search and recover further remains and clothing.
- Forensic tests found male DNA on a recovered water bottle and plastic bags and did not detect Cremer’s DNA on the bottle, but the coroner said those results were inconclusive and did not indicate another person caused her death.
- Wilson recommended formal protocols for engaging private search groups, including vetting and evidence‑handling rules, and asked Waratah‑Wynyard Council to add clearer signage to warn hikers where the maintained track ends; Tasmania Police has committed to review its use of volunteer search teams.