Missing campers: Victorian police start search for remains of Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Victorian Police have assembled in Victoria’s high country as they commence the search for the remains of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

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.

The new search comes after a 55-year-old Caroline Springs man was charged with the alleged murders of missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay on November 25. Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad charged the man with two counts of murder after he was questioned for several days by police.

The family of the charged Caroline Springs man said they are “traumatised by these tragic events” in a statement via their lawyers.

“It has been distressing for our family and the families of the deceased,” they said.

“We need to deal with the legal proceedings as they arise and try to restore some balance in our lives.

“We also acknowledge the suffering of the Clay and Hill families at this difficult time.”

Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill remains hopeful that police will locate the bodies of Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with both the Hill and Clay families,” he said.

“We are hopeful that this arrest brings us closer to providing the answers the families have been desperately seeking and deserve.

“While we now have the opportunity to put this matter before the criminal courts, our efforts to locate the remains of Russell and Carol will continue.”