A neighbor of Helena Wright, 36, has defended her husband, Brad Wright, against online speculation following the mother's death with their two young children from Cape Northumberland in South Australia. Police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. The bodies of Wright and her 23-month-old daughter, Hazel, were found in the ocean on Monday, while her three-month-old son, Louis, has not been recovered despite an extensive search.
SA Police confirmed that Louis had "zero chance" of survival. Brad Wright has not been seen since the tragedy and is reportedly being cared for by his extended family. The couple lived in Compton, a suburb on the outskirts of Mt Gambier.
The neighbor told the Daily Mail that she spoke to Brad Wright on Monday morning, hours before the incident. "He was on his way to work," she stated, noting that he is an electrician. The neighbor described Helena Wright as "obviously troubled and obviously depressed" and vehemently rejected any false speculation about her husband, stating, "Brad was a tremendous father who adored his wife. It's very disappointing what people are saying."
Helena Wright had reportedly visited the Mt Gambier Police Station on Sunday seeking help, but was told to return the following day. Police received a call from a friend requesting a welfare check at the Wrights' home at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. Officers found the house empty, and Ms. Wright's white Isuzu M-UX SUV was later discovered at Cape Northumberland with its engine running.
Local fishermen retrieved the bodies of Helena Wright and Hazel shortly after the vehicle was reported. A large-scale search for Louis was hampered by adverse weather conditions and was called off on Wednesday. Authorities continue to monitor the shoreline in hopes of recovering the infant's body. A coronial investigation is underway.