Pauline Fitzsimons dies in fatal Brooklana floodwaters incident

Pauline Fitzsimons dies in fatal Brooklana floodwaters incident

Fatal Brooklana floodwaters death of Pauline Fitzsimons – Obituary

Pauline Fitzsimons, 60, lost her life after her vehicle became submerged in rising floodwaters near Dorrigo, located west of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The fatal incident occurred while she was en route from Sydney to Coffs Harbour on Wednesday night.

Authorities report that Fitzsimons had been traveling in tandem with a police officer. When they reached a flooded portion of Coramba Road near Wild Cattle Creek Bridge, the officer, driving a sedan, deemed the water too risky to cross and stayed back. He reportedly gave Fitzsimons his phone number and urged her not to proceed.

Despite the warning, Fitzsimons continued driving her four-wheel drive into the floodwaters. Roughly 30 minutes later, she contacted the officer in distress, stating her car was in trouble. Emergency teams launched a search that night, but it wasn’t until the next afternoon that her body was discovered in her vehicle at Brooklana, approximately 30 kilometers from Coffs Harbour.

Her son, Tiernan Fitzsimons, has refuted claims that his mother ignored safety advice. He asserted that a police officer had instructed her to follow him and assured her of a safe path to Coffs Harbour, then abandoned her in the dangerous conditions.

NSW Police confirmed that a full investigation is underway to review all events leading up to the tragedy, including the guidance provided by the officer and the actions taken by emergency responders. A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

State leaders, including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressed condolences but declined to speculate on blame pending the results of the investigation. The officer involved is reportedly receiving psychological support due to the trauma of the incident.

Authorities continue to stress the dangers of driving through floodwaters, noting that emergency services have responded to over 1,000 weather-related incidents in the past 24 hours alone.