A volunteer search team combing a fog-covered stretch of countryside has made a disturbing discovery in the ongoing search for Celine Cremer, after locating her mobile phone abandoned in the mist — followed by an even more unsettling find just 500 meters away.
Authorities confirmed that the discovery was made shortly before dawn, during a coordinated civilian search operation in an area previously considered low priority due to poor visibility and difficult terrain.
The Phone Found in the Fog
According to officials, the phone was discovered lying face-down in wet grass near a narrow footpath, its screen cracked but still partially functional. Forensic technicians confirmed within minutes that the device belonged to Celine, based on serial number and SIM registration.
What alarmed investigators was not just the location — but the condition of the phone.
-
It showed no signs of impact from a fall
-
There was no water damage, despite dense fog and moisture
-
The battery had been deliberately powered off
“It wasn’t dropped accidentally,” one search coordinator said. “It looked placed.”
The area around the phone showed no footprints, no drag marks, and no disturbance to surrounding vegetation.
What They Found 500 Meters Away
As searchers expanded the radius, a second team reached a small clearing approximately 500 meters downslope. There, they made a discovery described by police as “deeply troubling.”
Hidden beneath branches and stones was a discarded outer garment matching the clothing Celine was last seen wearing — carefully folded rather than torn or scattered.
Nearby, investigators found:
-
A series of shallow impressions in the ground, inconsistent with walking
-
A snapped tree branch at shoulder height
-
And traces of fresh soil disturbance, suggesting something heavy had been moved or concealed
A cadaver dog deployed shortly after reportedly showed a strong alert reaction at the site, prompting officers to immediately cordon off the area and suspend the civilian search.
Immediate Lockdown and Forensic Response
Within an hour, the entire zone was placed under restricted access. Forensic tents were erected, and ground specialists began soil sampling and depth probing.
A police spokesperson stated:
“This is no longer considered a routine search.
The evidence suggests deliberate action by an unknown party.”
Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging were brought in as fog conditions began to lift.
Why Investigators Are Alarmed
Experts say the spacing between the phone and the second site suggests intentional staging — possibly an attempt to divert search efforts or control the narrative of the disappearance.
A former search-and-rescue consultant commented:
“Finding a phone alone is one thing.
Finding it clean, powered off, and separated from other personal items is something else entirely.”
What Happens Next
Authorities have not confirmed whether human remains were found, but they acknowledged that the investigation has entered a critical phase. Search efforts are now being led exclusively by law enforcement.
Family members have been notified and are receiving support services.
A full briefing is expected later today.
