A young mother who died by suicide with her two children had been suffering from postnatal depression, a condition her husband had discussed with family members weeks before the tragedy, according to a relative.

Helena Wright, from Mt Gambier, died on July 27 after jumping from a cliff with her 23-month-old daughter, Hazel, and three-month-old son, Lewis. The incident is being treated as a murder-suicide and is subject to a coronial investigation.

The relative stated that Helena's husband, Brad Wright, shared his concerns about her mental health at his grandmother's funeral in June, weeks prior to the deaths. "Brad told me Helena had been struggling a bit with postnatal depression, and was quite open about it," the relative said. "He said it would come and go, but he thought she was getting through it... but obviously not."

Ms Wright was reportedly turned away from the Mt Gambier police station the day before her death. South Australian police confirmed she attended the station on July 26 but declined to disclose the content of the interaction. A review of police actions is underway, and a mandatory report for the Coroner is being prepared.

The following morning, police conducted a welfare check at the Wrights' home after a friend's call. They found the house empty and later located Ms Wright's SUV at Cape Northumberland. Hazel's body was found in the water below the cape, while the search for Lewis' remains has been called off.

The relative noted that Ms Wright, who was originally from Estonia, had also experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first child, Hazel. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia states that one in seven Australian women are affected by the condition in the first year after giving birth, with symptoms including low mood, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.

Ms Wright had previously confided about suffering from debilitating migraines and exhaustion following Lewis' birth. The relative mentioned that Ms Wright did not have her family nearby, which may have added to her struggles.

The Wrights were described as deeply religious, having married in the Mt Gambier Presbyterian Church in 2023. They were reportedly involved with a home church at the time of their deaths. A friend who started a crowdfunding effort for the funerals described the event as Ms Wright "stepping from a cliff into the arms of her Lord and saviour."

Mr Wright, an electrician, was reportedly at work at the time of the incident. His mother is devastated by the loss of her mother and two grandchildren. The couple were also focused on sustainable living, with Ms Wright making her children's clothes and Mr Wright designing a permaculture garden at their home. Brad's family confirmed he had become a "tremendous father and husband" after meeting Helena.