As part of National Missing Persons Week 2024, police and family are renewing their call for information in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Grunwaldt who was reported missing from north-east Tasmania in 1993. 

“National Missing Persons Week is an annual event which aims to resolve missing persons cases through heightening awareness and renewed calls for information,” said Detective Acting Inspector Jason Jones. 

“This year’s theme is Always Searching and eight long-term missing women will be highlighted across Australia including Nancy Grunwaldt who was reported missing from north-east Tasmania in 1993.” 

26-year-old Nancy was last seen on 12 March 1993, about 5km south of Scamander, riding a red mountain bike (which she had hired from a business in Devonport) south on the Tasman Highway. 

Nancy had arrived in Tasmania in March 1993, after she departed her hometown in Germany in 1992, travelling to New Zealand then Australia. At the time of her disappearance, Nancy was 26 years old and described as being about 168cm tall, with black hair and glasses. 

Nancy’s disappearance was reported to the Coroner who found that she died between St Helens and Bicheno on 12 March 1993 as the result of foul play.

“Despite extensive police searches and investigations, sadly no trace of Nancy or the bike have been found since,” Detective Acting Inspector Jones said. 

A $500,000 reward is offered for information that leads to the conviction of offender/s regarding Nancy’s suspected murder. 

“We know that someone in our community knows something about the disappearance of Nancy, and I implore them to come forward to help us provide closure to Nancy’s family and loved ones.” 

“No detail is too small to help find peoples’ loved ones.”  

“Missing person investigations are not closed until answers are found for the families and loved ones left behind.”

Nancy’s sister Frauke Grunwaldt said her disappearance deeply impacted her own life. 

“On the one hand I have come to terms with the fact that I will likely never receive an answer (about) what happened to my sister Nancy,” she said.

“Nevertheless, her disappearance deeply impacted my life, behaviour and relationships over the last 30 years until today.”

“It is hard to trust other people. It is difficult to open up to people.”

“Thoughts of ‘what if…’ never end. I wish I still had a big sister to talk to. Receiving an answer would finally give me closure to grieve properly.” 

Anyone with information in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Grunwaldt, or any missing person, is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000. 

Crime Stoppers Tasmania Chair David Daniels OAM said Crime Stoppers gives people the chance to come forward with information without having to talk to Police. 

“Someone knows something which has the power to bring answers. Please come forward. They will never know it was you if you choose to stay anonymous,” Mr Daniels said. 

“A significant reward is being offered. If you report anonymously, you may still be eligible for a reward if your information leads to a conviction.” 

*Profiles of Tasmanian long-term missing persons can be viewed at https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/view-all-profiles