Police call off search for missing campers in Victoria’s high country
Family and friends of Carol Clay and Russell Hill are in mourning after police called off the search for the pair who disappeared while camping in Victoria’s high country more than a fortnight ago.
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The search for missing elderly friends who disappeared mysteriously in Victoria’s high country has been cancelled.
Victoria Police last night said it had concluded the “active search” in the Wonnangatta area for Carol Clay, 73 and Russell Hill, 74.
Family and friends of the pair have been informed of the heartbreaking news.
“Wellington Crime Investigation Unit detectives will continue to investigate,” a police spokesman said.
No one has heard from Ms Clay, from Pakenham, or Mr Hill, from Drouin, since he made radio contact 17 days ago.
Their campsite, in the Wonnangatta Valley near Dargo, was found on March 27 but there was no trace of the pair.
Mr Hill’s four-wheel-drive, which was still drivable, was found at the scene with scorch marks on the exterior and their belongings inside.
Camping chairs, a table and tent poles were charred.
Arson chemists have so far been unable to determine the cause of the fire.
Mr Hill is an experienced bushman and former logger and had travelled the track several times already this year.
Police located the car of Mrs Clay at her home in Pakenham.
Ms Clay is the president of the Pakenham Country Women’s Association and a loved member of the local community.
The Gippsland Hills CWA said the group was “deeply saddened by the unsolved mystery of the disappearance of Carol Clay”.
Ms Clay was “very much loved, admired and respected” in the community, the post read.
“We miss her so much.”
More than 30 searchers, including police, State Emergency Service personnel, Parks Victoria staff and mountain cattlemen have combed a large expanse around the campsite.
But poor weather meant the operation was suspended last week.
Mr Hill set off from his home on March 19 to camp along the Dargo River.
Ms Clay joined him and told friends she would be home no later than March 29.
Both were believed to be carrying their mobile phones, as they were not found at the campsite.
Mr Hill reported he was having radio transmission issues during his last call.
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