Kellie Ann Carmichael : “Blue Mountains Backpacker Missing 23 Years Ago Found by Police | New South Wales”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Blue Mountains missing backpacker
2. New South Wales cold case

The remains of missing Geelong backpacker Kellie Ann Carmichael have been discovered in NSW bushland after 23 years. Carmichael, last seen in 2001 at a Katoomba hostel, was identified through human remains found during an unrelated search. Police initially suspected suicide due to her schizophrenia, but her parents have always believed foul play was involved. Despite a $200,000 reward and a 2009 coronial inquest, details surrounding Carmichael’s death remain a mystery. Her parents expressed ongoing grief over their daughter’s disappearance. An investigation by the unsolved homicide team is now underway, with a brief of evidence to be presented to the coroner.

The discovery of the remains of a Geelong backpacker, Kellie Ann Carmichael, who went missing 23 years ago, has brought closure to a long-standing mystery. The human remains were found during an unrelated search in NSW bushland, near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The police officers made the initial discovery on 30 April, with further remains located on 27 May following inquiries.

**Uncovering the Truth**

Kellie Ann Carmichael was just 24 years old when she disappeared after being last seen by hostel staff in Katoomba on 29 April 2001. She had informed the staff that she would return that day to collect her belongings. However, when her parents contacted the hostel on 5 May and found that her belongings were still there, they reported her missing to the police. Her belongings, which included her ID, wallet, mobile phone, bank card, Medicare card, camera, and toiletries, raised concerns about her sudden disappearance.

**Investigative Efforts**

The police initially considered the possibility that Carmichael may have taken her own life, given that she was suffering from schizophrenia. The homicide squad launched an investigation in 2004, and in 2011, a $200,000 reward was offered for information related to the case. A 2009 coronial inquest concluded that Carmichael had died, but the cause and circumstances remained unclear.

**Heartache and Closure**

Carmichael’s parents, Margaret and John, have expressed their ongoing grief and sense of loss over their daughter’s mysterious disappearance. In 2011, Margaret Carmichael revealed, “We’ve never had the chance to have our daughter … our family has never been the same.” The discovery of her remains has brought a mix of emotions, from heartache to a sense of closure for the family.

**Ongoing Investigation**

The unsolved homicide team is now actively investigating the case, and a brief of evidence will be prepared for the coroner. The discovery of Kellie Ann Carmichael’s remains has opened up a new chapter in this long-standing mystery, shedding light on a tragic event that has haunted her family for over two decades.

In conclusion, the discovery of Kellie Ann Carmichael’s remains in NSW bushland has provided answers to a 23-year-old mystery. The investigation into her disappearance and death continues, offering hope for closure and justice for her family.