Swiss tourist identified

POLICE have formally identified human remains found in the Huon Valley as Swiss tourist Thomas Munger.

The 44-year-old’s skeletal remains were found last month by bushwalkers on a remote track about 10km west of the Tahune Airwalk near Geeveston.

His identity was confirmed through dental records.

“Our condolences are with Mr Munger’s family and friends,”

Senior Sergeant Jim Semmens said yesterday.

The cause of death is unknown but police believe he was probably bushwalking without adequate equipment for an overnight trip.

Mr Munger left Switzerland in 2010 and arrived in Tasmania some time after visiting the United States.

His brother Erich has previously told the Mercury that he left Switzerland to start a new life overseas.

Mr Munger had first visited Tasmania in early 2010. He returned to Switzerland for about three weeks and sold all of his belongings before overseas again.

“He told us he liked Tasmania very much and also parts of New Zealand,” Erich said.

“But especially Tasmania, he liked to go fishing.”

After his remains were discovered, police released an image they had found in a phone at the bush site.

Police initially thought the man in the photo may have departing been Mr Munger, but it turned out to be Mr Munger’s good friend Michael Nydegger.

Mr Nydegger contacted Erich and told him his brother was likely dead.

“To live with the unknown is hard. But to hear that your brother is dead is hard too,” Erich said at the time.

“But you can draw a line now, we know what happened.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have had contact with Mr Munger in late 2010 or early 2011.

Police remain in contact with Interpol and authorities in Switzerland as part of their ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information that may help police to determine Mr Munger’s movements in Tasmania is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or 1800 765 827 from interstate.