Suicide Note Found After Father and Daughter Die in Parramatta River Tragedy
SYDNEY, Australia — Police investigating the deaths of a father and his six-year-old daughter in Sydney’s Parramatta River have revealed that a suicide note was discovered as part of their ongoing inquiry, leading investigators to believe the incident may have been a tragic case of domestic violence.
Emergency services were called to Hen and Chicken Bay at Concord, near River Road West, at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Saturday after reports that a man’s body had been seen floating in the water.
Officers recovered the body of a 47-year-old man from the Parramatta River with assistance from a member of the public who provided a boat. Despite efforts by emergency responders, the man could not be revived.
Shortly after the recovery, police received information suggesting a young girl had also been aboard the vessel, prompting an extensive land, water, and aerial search operation. Several hours later, the body of the six-year-old girl was located in the river.
Speaking on Monday, NSW Police Marine Area Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty said investigators had uncovered evidence that pointed to a deliberate act.
“We have uncovered a suicide note and some other evidence drawing us to this conclusion,” McNulty told 2GB radio.
Authorities used CCTV footage obtained from a nearby residence to help direct divers during the search for the child. Police said the footage proved crucial in locating her body.
Investigators believe the father and daughter had been on a hired boat before the incident occurred. While inquiries remain ongoing, police said the circumstances immediately raised concerns.
McNulty noted that life jackets were available on the vessel but had not been worn.
“It just didn’t stack up,” he said.
Police confirmed the man was not previously known to law enforcement and had no recorded history of domestic violence, adding further complexity to the investigation.
“We really need to make sense of this, because it is a complex investigation,” McNulty said.
The child’s mother was informed shortly after the incident and remained present during the extensive search efforts.
“At this stage it’s horrible, but we’re wrapping so much care around the victim and the mother that’s been left behind,” McNulty said.
Superintendent Christine McDonald of Burwood Police Area Command described the devastating impact the tragedy has had on the girl’s mother.
“Obviously, a mother in this situation … it would rock any mother to the core,” she said.
Police also revealed that a friend of the father contacted authorities approximately one hour after the man’s body was discovered, expressing concerns for the welfare of both the father and daughter.
The six-year-old girl was the couple’s only child.
Investigations remain ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In Australia, Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14, while the national family violence counselling service is available on 1800 737 732. International support services can be found through Befrienders Worldwide.