Missing campers update: Carol Clay’s sister breaks her silence following suspect’s arrest

The sister of missing Victorian camper, Carol Clay, has broken her silence following the arrest of a suspect believed to be related to the disappearance.

Russell Hill and Carol Clay were last heard from on March 20, 2020 when they were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria. The couple’s campsite was discovered by campers on March 21 completely destroyed by fire near Dry River Creek Track. Hill’s vehicle was also found with signs of minor fire damage.

Clay’s sister told 7 News she hopes the case can be “resolved” following the latest development.

“[It’s] absolutely amazing actually but [we’re] scared as well,” she said.

“Because we’ve been holding this together for 20 months now … 20 months is a long time.

“It’s been an incredible shock and because it’s been such a mystery, it’s been a bit unfathomable.

“There’s no sense that there’s a reason for this.

“If this can be resolved we can then let go, have a memorial and move on. But until that happens, we can’t.”

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the mystery disappearance of high country campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. https://t.co/Kz09BP0BGA @cassiezervos #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/dyH6Fv9Rru

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) November 23, 2021

Following the arrest of a 55-year-old Caroline Springs man on November 21, police seized a four-wheel drive for forensic examination. The vehicle is believed to be the blue Nissan Patrol police had been searching for in recent months.

Victoria Police told 9 News the investigation into the disappearance is ongoing.

“Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have arrested a man as part of the investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay,” police said in a statement.

“The 55-year-old Caroline Springs man was arrested about 5.30pm yesterday and will be interviewed by police this morning.

“The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.”