Remains of missing campers, Russell Hill and Carol Clay, identified by police

Police have confirmed the human remains found in Victoria’s Gippsland region last year are those of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Victoria Police have confirmed the human remains found in Victoria’s Gippsland region last year are Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

A statement from Victoria Police confirmed the human remains found in Dargo, a town in Victoria’s Gippsland region, belong to the missing campers. While their bodies were found on November 30 in the Grants Historical Area, forensic testing meant police weren’t able to confirm the identity.

The couple had been missing since March 2020.

“Victoria Police can confirm that forensic testing on human remains located near Dargo in November 2021 has now been completed,” a statement from police read.

“The Coroner has advised Victoria Police that the remains are that of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. As the matter is before the court, we will not be providing any further comment.”

It’s believed the Victorian campers were conducting a secret affair at the time of their disappearance and alleged murder. Picture: Supplied.

It’s believed Mr Hill and Ms Clay were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley, in the Victorian Alps when they disappeared. Police allege the remains were buried in a shallow grave under a root-ball hole – a pit caused by a large tree falling over. While police weren’t able to confirm the identity of the campers, they uncovered the bone fragment, a ring and a set of dentures at the same location suggesting the remains belonged to the pair.

In December 2021, former Jetstar pilot, Greg Lynn was charged with two counts of murder over the alleged killings of Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, in Victoria’s Wonnangatta Valley on March 20, 2020.

Airline pilot Greg Lynn, has been revealed as the man in custody over the suspicious disappearances of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Picture: Supplied.

Police will allege the couple was last heard from entering the Wonnangatta Valley, with fellow campers discovering Mr Hill’s vehicle the next day at their burn out campsite.