Police searching for the remains of missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay have found human remains in bushland near Dargo, in Victoria’s High Country.
They are yet to be formally identified.
Last week, police had arrested a 55-year-old Caroline Springs man and were interviewing him in relation to the pair’s disappearance, although no formal charges had been laid. The man, revealed to be Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn, was stood down following his arrest.
The pair, who it has been revealed were having an affair, were last seen at a remote Wonnangatta campsite on March 20 last year. Their campsite at Dry River Creek Track was discovered burnt out, and Hill’s abandoned Toyota Landcruiser was located nearby.
Ms Clay’s sister Jill revealed the relationship to 60 Minutes, saying, “They had to keep it secret, and in some ways, I feel that that’s why they went to such a remote place.” Neither Mr Hill’s wife nor his daughters were aware of the relationship between him and Ms Clay, with his daughters telling the program, “It was a shock when the police mentioned something about, do we know a Carol? But that was the first we knew about it.
“We didn’t know anything about him and Carol being together.”
Authorities revealed that charred camping chairs, a burnt-out battery, and a bucket used for Hill’s gas canister were located inside the pair’s tent, which had also been burnt. They believe it’s unlikely that these items would have been put there by the missing pair. “It certainly builds that picture for us that potentially someone was trying to cover their tracks,” Victoria Police Detective Inspector Andrew Stampers told 60 Minutes.
Image: Victoria Police
