A South Australian father is grappling with the profound challenge of arranging funerals for his wife and two young children, who died on July 27 after falling from Cape Northumberland. Helena Wright, 36, and her 23-month-old daughter Hazel were recovered from the water, while the body of three-month-old Lewis has not been found. Police have officially ceased their search for Lewis, citing the likelihood that his remains will never be recovered.
Brad Wright, Ms. Wright's husband and the children's father, faces the agonizing task of planning multiple services. Ms. Wright and Hazel's bodies are currently part of a coronial investigation, with no prospect of recovering any remains of baby Lewis for burial. A GoFundMe campaign has provided financial support for Ms. Wright's family to travel from Estonia for a funeral, but they await the release of Helena and Hazel's bodies to Mr. Wright.
South Australia Police have initiated an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, prompted by reports that Ms. Wright visited the Mount Gambier police station seeking assistance the day before the incident. Police have not disclosed the reason for her visit or why she was reportedly told to return the following day. A spokesperson confirmed a review of police actions is underway, and a mandatory report for the Coroner is being prepared.
"There are two concurrent processes: an internal police review of SAPOL's response and the coronial investigation into the causes and circumstances of the deaths," the spokesperson stated.
Former Victoria Police homicide detective Charlie Bezzina commented that coroners may hold onto bodies for several weeks in complex investigations to ensure their findings are definitive. "They have to be absolutely sure [of their findings], because once they release the body, there's no going back," Bezzina said. He suggested that in the case of Ms. Wright and Hazel, the coroner would be examining their injuries to confirm they were consistent with impact from the rocky base of Cape Northumberland and to rule out other causes prior to the fall.
Regarding the missing infant, Lewis, the coroner will need to determine his death based on police evidence. Bezzina indicated that coroners may interview witnesses or rely on gathered evidence to make their findings, particularly in sensitive domestic situations. The investigation will likely delve into Ms. Wright's state of mind, seeking to understand the reasons behind her actions. "They need to build up this picture as to why this lady went to the drastic result of jumping off a cliff with her two children. All the background of her domestic life will need to be looked at, all the family, all the associates," Bezzina explained.
The internal police investigation into why Ms. Wright was reportedly turned away from the police station is considered significant. Bezzina suggested that if she sought help and was refused, this could have been a crucial factor. "Police stations should be a safe haven that you can run to or drive to, and if they're closed, you're in diabolical problems," he added.
South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens stated that the force is obligated to ensure they have acted correctly and will implement any necessary changes identified by their investigation, without waiting for the conclusion of a lengthy inquest. "With all incidents like this we review our actions to ensure that we are doing what we can to best serve the community," Commissioner Stevens said.
Brad Wright recently returned to social media to thank his local federal Member of Parliament, Tony Pasin, for sharing a GoFundMe campaign established to support the family. The fundraiser has garnered nearly $40,000.
Helplines are available for those in need of support. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.