Volunteer Search for Missing Girl Yields Animal Bones in 55-Year-Old Case

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:35:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent search led by volunteers for Cheryl Grimmer, a British girl who disappeared in 1970 in Australia, authorities found animal bones instead of human remains. The ongoing investigation has drawn public attention and scrutiny.

The search for Cheryl Grimmer, a British girl who vanished 55 years ago, has led to a disappointing discovery of animal bones in Australia. Despite hopes for a breakthrough in her long-unsolved case, New South Wales Police confirmed the remains are not human. Ongoing community advocacy highlights systemic issues in missing persons investigations.

A volunteer-led search for the body of Cheryl Grimmer, a British girl who vanished in Australia 55 years ago, has concluded after New South Wales Police confirmed that bones discovered were from an animal.

Cheryl, who disappeared at the age of three from Fairy Meadow beach in Wollongong in January 1970, has been the subject of numerous searches and investigations, yet her case remains a heartbreaking mystery.

The recent search took place in Balgownie, sparked by a confession from a teenage boy. Unfortunately, the hoped-for breakthrough did not materialize, as the authorities stated that the remains are not linked to Cheryl.

Officials suspect that Cheryl was abducted, and the investigations have faced various challenges over the years. A trial against a suspect, codenamed Mercury, accused of her abduction collapsed in 2019, when prosecutors dropped the case due to the disallowance of evidence.

A reward of A$1 million is still offered by NSW authorities for information leading to a resolution in this case. Cheryl's brother, Ricki Nash, has been vocal about what he perceives as the police's investigative shortcomings, advocating for a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his sister's disappearance.

A petition demanding a comprehensive inquiry into missing persons investigations in NSW has gathered over 10,000 signatures, although the state authorities have not committed to its implementation.