23-Year Mystery Solved: Remains of Kellie Ann Carmichael Found After Disappearance in Blue Mountains

The remains of missing woman Kellie Ann Carmichael, who vanished 23 years ago in the Blue Mountains, have finally been discovered. Carmichael, a 24-year-old from Geelong, went missing after leaving a hostel in Katoomba on April 29, 2001.

Human remains were found in bushland near Katoomba during an unrelated police operation on April 30, with further remains located at the same site on May 27. NSW Police confirmed the formal identification of Carmichael’s remains and have informed her family of the findings.

An investigation is now underway, and evidence will be presented to the coroner for further examination. Carmichael had traveled to Katoomba seeking assistance from friends due to her schizophrenia.

She was last seen alive when she departed the hostel, indicating to staff that she would return later that day to collect her belongings. However, her personal belongings, including ID, wallet, phone, camera, and toiletries, remained unclaimed at the hostel, leading her parents to report her missing to Katoomba Police Station on May 5.

Initially, NSW Police suggested the possibility of Carmichael taking her own life, but her family always maintained they did not believe this theory. Years later, a tip-off suggested that Carmichael may have been a victim of foul play.

In 2011, Margaret Carmichael made a public plea for new information regarding her daughter’s disappearance, as police were unable to bring any suspects to justice. The family remained hopeful for closure, emphasizing the lasting impact of Kellie Ann’s disappearance.