Remains of Monto’s Wendy Hansen found 800km from home

The ‘half buried’ remains of a beloved Queensland businesswoman were found 800km from her home, with detectives treating her death as suspicious and investigating the possibility she was killed soon after she went missing in February. Watch the video:

New South Wales police on Friday said there were no updates into the murder of Monto businesswoman and grandmother Wendy Hansen, and that investigations were continuing into her suspicious death after her remains were recovered 800km away in Coffs Harbour.

Sixty-three-year-old Ms Hansen was seen withdrawing cash from an ATM on Newton St in Monto in the North Burnett, about 170km west of Bundaberg, in Queensland, on February 29, 2024.

When she failed to return home, and was unable to be found or contacted, Queensland Police Service officers were alerted and started inquiries into her whereabouts.

New South Wales police on Friday said there had been no updates and investigations were continuing into the suspicious death of Monto businesswoman and grandmother Wendy Hansen after her remains were recovered 800km away in Coffs Harbour.

In the months that followed, her frantic family made continual pleas with authorities and the public.

Following an investigation, police received CCTV of Ms Hansen driving south on the Bruce Hwy near Wild Horse Mountain on the Sunshine Coast, about 2.30pm the same day in February.

She was last seen driving in her silver 2007 two-door Mitsubishi Pajero with Queensland registration 645TCZ.

A volunteer doing bushland regeneration work at Jetty Beach on June 18, made the grim discovery of half-buried skeletal human remains near Jordan Esplanade at Coffs Harbour.

Personal items including a backpack, silver earrings, hair clips and a copy of Anne-Marie Conway’s novel Butterfly Summer were found nearby, although the identity of the remains was not immediately clear.

Wendy Hansen, 63, was seen withdrawing cash from an ATM on Newton St in Monto in the North Burnett, about 170km west of Bundaberg, in Queensland, on February 29.Â

Police reportedly initially thought they were historical, but further forensic analysis led detectives to believe the remains might have been at the beach for up to four years.

They have since been identified as Ms Hansen.

Police are investigating the possibility Ms Hansen was killed not long after she went missing. Her disappearance was out of character, and she had no history that would indicate why she would leave her family, they said.

Her son, Donald Hagan, thanked the community and police for their efforts in the search for his mother.

“With heavy hearts we thank everyone for their efforts in searching for mum. Unfortunately this is not the results we hoped for. The NSW police are still looking for mum’s car so if you have any info please pass it on to the relevant authorities.”

New South Wales State Crime Command Homicide Squad detectives have established Strike Force Osbox to investigate the suspicious death.

Wendy Hansen’s son Donald Hagan posted a photo of the same model of car belonging to his mother Wendy Hansen. Picture: Facebook.

As the investigation continues detectives are appealing to the public for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detectives are specifically interested in finding Ms Hansen’s, car which has not yet been found and are urging anyone with dashcam vision of the car to contact police immediately.

There has been an outpouring of grief and support for Ms Hansen and her devastated family.

“(We) extend our sincere condolences to all the family. We cannot imagine how heartbreaking and difficult these past months have been for you all. We do hope investigators find out who is responsible for the loss of your Mother, she was an incredible person and we always have held Wendy in high regard,” posted Ingo Montoya.

“All of our love to you Donald and family. Heartbreaking and shocking news. Your Mum will always be remembered for her kind and caring soul. RIP Wendy.”