The Haunting Case of Two Friends Who Vanished on a Hike — And the Disturbing Photos They Left Behind

On April 1, 2014, Kris Kremers, 21, and Lisanne Froon, 22, set out on what was supposed to be a routine hike along Panama’s famous El Pianista trail. They were young, adventurous, and eager to explore the lush landscapes near the Baru volcano in Boquete. However, the hike that began with excitement and promise ended in one of the most chilling missing persons cases of the decade—a mystery that continues to baffle investigators and fuel conspiracy theories to this day.

Months after their disappearance, a series of eerie clues emerged, including unsettling photos found on their camera. These images, taken in the dead of night, have sparked endless speculation about what truly happened to the two Dutch women.

The Disappearance

Kremers and Froon had travelled to Panama with plans to volunteer at a local school and immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant culture. On April 1, they ventured into the dense jungle surrounding Boquete, a popular destination for hikers. The El Pianista trail was known for its beauty, but also for its unpredictability. The women never returned.

When they failed to show up for appointments, a massive search operation was launched. Authorities combed the area, assisted by Dutch investigators and local volunteers. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of the women was found for months. The jungle seemed to swallow them whole.

Then, in June, a breakthrough occurred. A local woman discovered a blue backpack near a riverbank in Alto Romero, far from where the women were last seen. Inside the backpack were personal items, including money, water bottles, two phones, and a camera. The discovery reignited the search and raised chilling questions about their final days.

The Phones: A Silent Cry for Help

The phones revealed that six hours into their hike, both women had attempted to call emergency services. They dialed 112, the international emergency number, and Panama’s national emergency number, 911. Unfortunately, the calls never went through due to a lack of signal deep in the jungle.

Froon’s Samsung Galaxy SIII ran out of battery on April 4 and was never used again. Kremers’ iPhone 4, however, was periodically turned on between April 5 and April 11. Strangely, the correct PIN code was never entered during this time. This detail led investigators to wonder: was someone else trying to access the phone? Or was it simply being turned on to check for signal?

The iPhone was switched off for the last time on April 11, marking the end of any activity from the women’s phones.

The Camera: A Disturbing Discovery

The camera found in the backpack contained a series of photos that sent chills through investigators. Among the images were snapshots of the women’s belongings laid out on rocks, including a water bottle, sunglasses, and other items. One photo showed the back of Kremers’ head, her hair disheveled and seemingly out of place.

Most haunting were the nighttime photos taken on April 8 between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. These images, snapped in pitch darkness using flash photography, included blurry shots of the jungle, close-ups of rocks, and what appeared to be a makeshift trail marker made out of sticks and plastic bags. The photos suggested desperation, an attempt to signal for help, or perhaps something more sinister.

Why were the women taking photos in the dead of night? Were they trying to document their surroundings, or were they signaling to someone—or something—nearby? The unsettling nature of these images has fueled countless theories, ranging from accidental death to foul play.

The Remains: A Grim Conclusion

The discovery of Froon’s backpack led search teams to the area near Alto Romero, where more clues surfaced. Denim shorts belonging to Kremers were found neatly folded atop a rock on the opposite bank of the river. Two months later, human remains were uncovered: a pelvis and a boot with a foot inside. DNA testing confirmed that the remains belonged to Kremers and Froon.

Despite these findings, the rest of their bodies were never recovered, and no official cause of death could be determined. The mystery deepened, leaving investigators and the public with more questions than answers.

Theories and Speculation

The scant evidence left behind has sparked numerous theories about what happened to Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon. Some believe their deaths were the result of a tragic accident, possibly caused by a fall or drowning in the treacherous terrain. Others suspect foul play, pointing to the eerie photos and the neatly folded shorts as signs of a staged scene.

One theory suggests that the women became lost and disoriented in the jungle, leading to dehydration and exposure. The nighttime photos, according to this theory, were desperate attempts to attract attention or document their surroundings in hopes of rescue.

Another theory posits that they encountered someone—or something—that posed a threat. The incorrect PIN entries on Kremers’ phone and the disturbing images have led some to speculate about the involvement of a third party. Could someone have been with them in their final moments? If so, why has that person never come forward?

Dutch authors Marja West and Jürgen Snoeren explored the case extensively in their 2021 book Lost in the Jungle. After reviewing police files and conducting their own investigation, they concluded that the women’s deaths were likely accidental. They argued that flash floods typical of the region made it impossible for a potential killer to stage scenes or strategically place items.

Still, many remain unconvinced. The lack of definitive answers has turned the case into a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, each more chilling than the last.

A Legacy of Mystery

The tragic story of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon is a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking in the wild and the limits of human understanding. Their disappearance has left a lasting impact, not only on their families but also on the countless people who have followed the case over the years.

The photos found on their camera provide a glimpse into their final days, but they also raise unsettling questions that may never be answered. Were they victims of circumstance, lost in the unforgiving jungle? Or did they encounter something far more sinister?

As the years pass, the mystery of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon continues to captivate and terrify. Their story is a puzzle with missing pieces, a tale of adventure turned tragedy, and a chilling reminder that even the most beautiful places can harbor unimaginable darkness.