The husband of Helena Wright, who died with her two young children in an apparent murder-suicide, has broken his silence two weeks after the tragedy. Brad Wright, an electrician, made his first public statement on social media by commenting on a Facebook post by his local federal representative, Tony Pasin.
Ms. Wright fell from Cape Northumberland near Port MacDonnell on Monday, June 27, with 23-month-old Hazel and three-month-old Lewis. Ms. Wright and Hazel were found at the base of the cliff, while their Isuzu SUV was discovered at the clifftop with the engine still running. The remains of Lewis have not been found. Police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.
Mr. Wright had left for work as normal hours before the incident and had not made any public statements until Monday. He responded to a post by Mr. Pasin, the Federal Liberal MP for Barker, who had shared a GoFundMe link created for the Wright family and confirmed his own $200 donation. Mr. Wright commented under the alias 'Bee Dubs,' thanking the MP for sharing the fundraiser.
Adam Hockley, a friend who organized the GoFundMe, also thanked Mr. Pasin. "The tragic loss of Helena, Hazel and Lewis Wright has deeply affected people across the Limestone Coast and beyond," Mr. Pasin stated. "My thoughts are with Brad, the Wright family, Helena’s family in Estonia, their friends and everyone mourning this heartbreaking loss."
The GoFundMe, which has raised over $38,000, aims to cover funeral expenses, bring Helena Wright's family from Estonia to Australia, and support Brad Wright. A message on the fundraiser read, "Helena stepped from a cliff with her beautiful babies in her arms into the arms of her waiting savior."
Religious Background and Departure
The Wrights were described as deeply religious, having been among the younger members of the Mt Gambier Presbyterian Church. They married at the church in 2023. However, church elders Graeme Hamilton and Roger Bannister noted that the couple left the congregation several years prior under "mysterious circumstances."
Mr. Bannister described the Wrights as an "unusual couple," noting that Ms. Wright, despite her Estonian background, did not have a noticeable accent, while Brad was more reserved. He speculated their departure might have been linked to "anti-authority" beliefs, possibly stemming from their experiences during COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria. He suggested they may have found the Presbyterian church too strict and sought out new forms of worship.
Reports indicate the couple had 'liked' posts opposing lockdowns and COVID-19 vaccinations. They also attended services at other local churches, including the Liberty Church and The Open Door Baptist Church, before settling on a "home church" arrangement independent of organized religion.
Health Complaints and Police Visit
Friends of Ms. Wright reported that she had complained of migraines and exhaustion in the period leading up to her death. Migraines are characterized by severe headaches and sensitivity to light and nausea. A friend noted that Ms. Wright had struggled with headaches and fatigue, common for mothers with young children.
Police confirmed that Ms. Wright visited the Mt Gambier police station the day before the tragedy. The exact reason for her visit is unclear, but it is understood she was seeking help. The police are preparing a report for the coroner, and investigations are ongoing. A neighbor described the situation as "abject tragedy" and stated that Ms. Wright was "obviously troubled and obviously depressed," while also defending Brad Wright as a "tremendous father who adored his wife."