UPDATE: The bodies of two women, believed to be in their 20s and 30s, were discovered in a remote area of Victoria’s alpine region on Friday. Found huddled together near Lendenfeld Point by hikers around 12:50 PM, authorities report they may have been deceased for several days.
The grim discovery occurred near Falls Creek, prompting a swift response from police, the Search and Rescue Squad, and the Air Wing. However, challenging weather conditions delayed access to the site until Saturday. Inspector Paul Hargreaves confirmed that the deaths do not appear suspicious, suggesting the women likely succumbed to extreme weather while hiking and camping.
“We believe they may have been in the area for two or three days,” Inspector Hargreaves stated. The temperature recently dropped to as low as -2.8C, with winds reaching up to 83 km/h and snowfall complicating the situation further. Hargreaves emphasized the severe conditions, indicating the women likely faced blizzard-like circumstances leading to severe hypothermia.
Authorities are collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to notify the families of the deceased. As of now, police are appealing for information from the public, noting that there are no current missing person reports matching the profiles of these women.
The area is known for its rugged terrain and attracts adventurers seeking extreme conditions. However, Hargreaves cautioned, “If you do not have the right equipment, it becomes very, very dangerous.” He urged potential hikers to exercise extreme caution as weather conditions in mountainous regions can change rapidly, turning a clear day into a blizzard within minutes.
This tragic incident is separate from the ongoing manhunt for Dezi Freeman, an alleged cop-killer, according to police. The investigation into the women’s identities continues, as officials work diligently in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
As the story develops, more information will be shared. Community members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this tragic discovery, which serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with winter hiking in remote areas.
