The remains of Kellie Ann Carmichael, who disappeared in 2001, have been found in the NSW Blue Mountains.
The missing backpacker, 24 at the time, was last seen checking out of a hostel in Katoomba on April 29, 2001, after travelling from her home in Geelong, Victoria.
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Carmichael’s disappearance had a breakthrough in April this year when police discovered human remains in bushland near Katoomba during an unrelated operation.
Additional remains were found in May.
“The human remains initially located and seized have now been formally identified as those of missing person Kellie Ann Carmichael, and her family have now been notified,” police said.
Her family has been notified.
Personal items belonging to Carmichael had been found in the area before, but her remains were not discovered until now.
Initially, police considered the possibility that Carmichael, who had schizophrenia, may have taken her own life.
The homicide squad began investigating in 2004.
A$200,000 reward was offered for information in 2011 after a 2009 coronial inquest confirmed her death.
However, the cause or circumstances around her death could not be determined at the time.
Carmichael’s parents, Margaret and John, said: “We’ve never had the chance to have our daughter … our family has never been the same.”
The Unsolved Homicide Team is investigating, and a brief of evidence is being prepared for the coroner.
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