HomeTopicsExpat LivingRemains identified as Dutch tourists who were missing in Panama

Remains identified as Dutch tourists who were missing in Panama

Forensic tests have confirmed that the bodies of two women found in a dense patch of cloud forest near the Costa Rica-Panama border are Dutch tourists who had been missing since April.

Lisanne Froon, 22, and Kris Kremers, 21, had traveled to Boquete, Panama, to do volunteer work with a group of local children. On April 2, the pair went on a hike down a mountain path bordering Costa Rica. They were never seen again, local residents told the BBC.

According to a separate BBC report, an 18-person Dutch search team traveled to the area in May but did not find any sign of the women.

Later, Panamanian police found human remains, a backpack, two cellphones and a pair of boots believed to have belonged to the women.

On Monday, forensic analysts matched DNA from the remains to Froon’s family members, and on Wednesday, Kremers’s family released a statement saying they believed Kremer’s body also was found in the forest.

Investigators have not yet determined the causes of death.

Trending Now

Demolished Pavones Restaurant owner releases book about the experience

For nearly two decades, Nicholas Cena has called Pavones, Costa Rica, home. What began as a visit to see his sister eventually became a...

Fernández Says “I Am the President” Amid Backlash Over Tovar Firing

President Laura Fernández has delivered her strongest defense yet of the sudden firing of Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar, warning her entire Cabinet that major...

Costa Rica Changes Route 1 Traffic Pattern Near San Ramón

Drivers using Route 1 between the Central Valley and Puntarenas is facing a new traffic pattern today as construction continues around San Ramón. The...

Dollar Rebounds From Record Low but Year-End Could Favor the Colón Again

The dollar hit its highest level since June after a record low, but seasonal inflows could push it back down. Here is what banks are paying.

Tovar Firing Leaves Costa Rica Without a Foreign Minister for UN Speech

Costa Rica is days from its UN General Assembly address with no confirmed speaker, as a timeline of the Trump meeting dispute and warnings from former diplomats raise new questions.

Costa Rica Ranks Fifth in the World for Retirees in Global Relocation Index

Costa Rica ranks 20th out of 192 countries and territories in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, and fifth in the world for retirees, according...

Brazil’s João Fonseca Pulls Out of Asian Tennis Swing to Focus on Recovery

Brazilian tennis star João Fonseca has withdrawn from the upcoming Asian swing, including the Japan Open in Tokyo and the Shanghai Masters, as the...

Saved by the Bell Star Mario Lopez Films Campaign in Costa Rica

Mario Lopez, the actor best known as A.C. Slater on the 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," is in Costa Rica filming a campaign...

Pura Vida: Past the Point of No Return

Growing up on the Lower East Side of New York certainly didn’t prepare me for the culture shock of moving to a sleepy little...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel