In 2014, two Dutch tourists, Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon, set off on an adventure to Panama.
Their families never imagined that their adventure would become a haunting mystery that continues to captivate the world.
The friends mysteriously vanished while hiking near the picturesque El Pianista trail in Boquete.
However, they left behind a haunting trail of photos and fragmented evidence that only deepens the questions about what really happened.
Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon, aged 21 and 22, hailed from Amersfoort in the Netherlands.
Kris was an outgoing and creative soul who had recently completed her studies in cultural social education, specializing in art.
Her friend, Lisanne was a vibrant, optimistic psychology graduate and an avid volleyball player.
In March 2014, after six months of meticulous planning and saving, they embarked on a life-changing journey to Panama.
They hoped to explore a new culture, master Spanish, and volunteer with local children.
This trip was not just a holiday but also a way for them to leave a positive impact.
Shortly before departing, Lisanne moved in with Kris, and the two shared a dorm in Amersfoort.
They had found jobs at a local restaurant, diligently saving money to make this dream trip happen.
Their plan was simple: spend a month in Boquete, a mountainous town in Panama, live with a host family, volunteer, and explore the region’s natural beauty.
They finally arrived in Panama on March 15, 2014, full of excitement and hope for the journey ahead.
 |
| Kris Kremers |
Into the Unknown: The Hike That Turned Tragic
On, April 1, 2014, Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon planned a casual hike on the El Pianista trail near Boquete, in Panama.
This is a route known for its scenic views and challenging terrain.
They left their host's home around 11 a.m for the trip.
They were reportedly accompanied by their host family's dog, which they planned to return later that day.
Before starting the hike, they shared their plan on social media, mentioning that they had brunch with two young Dutchmen.
But by nightfall, the dog returned home alone, and the two women were nowhere to be seen.
Initially concerned, their host family chose to wait until the following morning to alert the authorities.
When they failed to show up for a scheduled tour with a local guide the next day, alarms began to ring.
Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon were officially missing.
As word spread, locals joined forces with authorities in search operations.
Helicopters combed the dense forest, and villagers searched the nearby trails and paths.
By April 6, 2014, when no trace of the women had been found, their families flew to Panama.
They brought additional investigators from the Netherlands, along with dog units to aid in the search.
A $30,000 reward was offered for any information that could help locate them.
But despite the extensive search efforts, the days turned to weeks with no sign of the missing women.
 |
| Lisanne Froon |
Haunting Clues: A Backpack, Phones, and Disturbing Photos
Ten weeks after their mysterious disappearance, a startling breakthrough occurred.
A local woman found Lisanne's blue backpack along a riverbank near Alto Romero in the Bocas del Toro Province.
This was many miles from where Kris and Lisanne were last seen.
The backpack appeared intact.
It contained their belongings—two pairs of sunglasses, some cash, a water bottle, and most crucially, their cell phones and Lisanne’s camera.
The condition of these items suggested they hadn’t been exposed to the elements for long, raising questions about how they got there.
When authorities examined the phones, they found a chilling timeline.
Six hours after starting their hike, the women attempted to call emergency services, 77 times.
Kris’s iPhone and Lisanne’s Samsung both tried to reach emergency services, but calls couldn’t connect due to poor signal.
Over the next few days, further attempts were made to call for help, but they were equally unsuccessful.
By April 4, Lisanne’s phone battery was dead, leaving only Kris’s iPhone to be intermittently powered on to check for a signal.
On April 11, the iPhone was turned on for the last time, and after failing to enter the correct PIN code, it powered off permanently.
Lisanne’s camera, however, provided perhaps the most disturbing evidence.
Photos taken on April 1 showed the two friends enjoying the hike, capturing views of the forest and surroundings with no indication of trouble.
But a week later, in the dead of night, around 90 photos were taken, showing blurred images of what appeared to be a dense jungle.
Some photos appeared to show a cliff or ravine, while others hinted at strange scenes, like a twig tied with plastic bags or what seemed to be a backpack strap.
One particularly eerie image showed the back of Kris’s head, adding to the mystery of what had occurred in those dark hours.
 |
| One of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon's last photo |
Theories and Speculations: What Happened to Kris and Lisanne?
Tragically, two months after the backpack was found, their remains were found in the same area, with a pelvic bone and a foot still inside a boot.
The bones were identified as belonging to both women, but the exact cause of death remains undetermined
With few concrete answers, various theories about Kris and Lisanne's fate began to emerge.
The most widely accepted theory is that the two lost their way on the El Pianista trail and became stranded in the wilderness.
The photos of makeshift markers and the emergency calls suggest they tried to survive, possibly relying on each other and leaving clues in the hope of being found.
However, as more evidence emerged, other theories began to circulate.
Some questioned whether they encountered foul play, possibly at the hands of locals or travelers in the area.
The condition of their remains added to this speculation.
While some bones were found scattered along the riverbanks, Kris’s bones appeared bleached.
This unusual detail raised questions about potential tampering.
Local forensic experts noted that her bones showed no signs of animal bites or scratches, and they had a clean appearance that many find unsettling.
Some theorized that this was evidence of foul play, while others argued it could be attributed to environmental factors in the jungle.
Other theories suggested possible links to other incidents in the area.
Boquete, though peaceful, has been home to reports of crime.
Some locals believe the girls could have stumbled upon illegal activities or dangerous individuals.
But with no definitive evidence pointing to foul play, authorities have yet to confirm any criminal link in their disappearance.
Seeking Closure: The Ongoing Mystery of Kris and Lisanne’s Disappearance
Despite extensive efforts, the mystery of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon’s disappearance remains unresolved.
Panamanian authorities initially concluded that the pair likely died in a tragic accident, falling from a cliff or ravine while trying to find their way back.
But both families have long questioned the investigation’s thoroughness, raising concerns about how evidence was handled and whether leads were fully explored.
In 2017, a renewed examination of the case brought some attention to potential mishandling, but no concrete revelations emerged.
Their families continue to push for answers, hoping to uncover what really happened to their daughters.
The Dutch authorities, in collaboration with Panamanian officials, have pursued additional leads, but the findings remain inconclusive.
To this day, many believe that there are clues left undiscovered or individuals with knowledge of the women’s fate who have yet to come forward.
What began as a promising journey ended in tragedy, leaving their families, friends, and an international community grieving their loss and seeking closure.
This case has prompted greater awareness about travel safety, inspiring other young travelers to take precautions and stay vigilant when exploring remote areas.
For those who knew Kris and Lisanne, the memory of their warmth, compassion, and adventurous spirit remains unshakable.
They were more than just two young women on an adventure—they were dreamers and doers, setting out to make a positive mark on the world.
In another case, a man's parrot played a crucial role in catching his killer by reenacting the events of that night.
See full details of that case here.
Comments
Post a Comment