Latest news with #PaulineFitzsimons
Sky News AU
23-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Family of Pauline Fitzsimons claim NSW police officer told her of a 'safe way' through floods and escorted her toward Coffs Harbour before being swept away
The heartbroken family of a Sydney woman who was found dead after driving through floodwaters has disputed New South Wales Police's account of her death. The body of Pauline Fitzsimons was recovered on Thursday after she got into trouble the previous night in Brooklana, west of Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast. Assistant Commissioner David Waddell on Thursday said the 60-year-old had spoken to an officer west of Dorrigo and travelled together in a "convoy" towards Coffs Harbour when they reached floodwaters at Coramba Road near Wild Cattle Creek Bridge. The officer advised he would not be continuing due to the water over the road given he was driving a BMW. He checked the water level and it was about up to the ankles. The policeman gave the woman his number before he turned back, urging caution. The woman - driving a four-wheel-drive - made the decision to continue. About 30 minutes later, she called the officer to tell him she was in trouble at Brooklana. Search crews were deployed to the scene but they could not find her. Asst Comm Waddell on Thursday said the policeman who assisted Ms Fitzsimons was left "very traumatised" after learning authorities had found her body in her car. She was one of four people to die during the "one-in-500-year" flood". However, Ms Fitzsimons' son Tiernan Fitzsimons argued the story is inaccurate. He claimed the officer "guided her into floodwaters and left her to her own devices". "We are deeply saddened by the media reports. Hours before she passed, she informed a family member, a police officer told her he knew a safe way through to Coffs Harbour and was escorting her through," Mr Fitzsimons said in the statement to Nine News. 'The idea that our mother was a reckless driver is a terrible lie, and (we) do not want her to be remembered as such.' NSW Police said it will investigate the "full circumstances surrounding the incident", including the officer's interaction with Ms Fitzsimons as well as the weather conditions. Wild weather disappears but warnings remain The weather system that dropped more than half a metre of rain in parts of the Mid North Coast, inundating homes and businesses, has moved away from Sydney. The Harbour City copped a severe drenching from Thursday into Friday morning, but it cleared up late morning and by early afternoon the sun was out, surprisingly. Despite the dramatic easing in conditions and clear conditions expected for the weekend, a number of rivers remain at high levels as floodwaters begin to slowly recede. Low-lying areas along the Manning River were told throughout Friday to shelter in place and move to higher ground due to the threat of inundation. Coopernook, parts of Taree, Dumaresq Island, Manning Point, Croki, low-lying areas of Wingham, Oxley Island and Mitchells Point remain under emergency warning. Those around Tuggerah Lakes including Budgewoi Lake, Lake Munmorah, Tacoma South and Chittaway Point were advised Friday afternoon to find high ground. While 'watch and act' alerts remain for parts of Cobbitty to prepare to evacuate.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- News.com.au
The family of Pauline Fitzsimons who died driving through NSW floodwaters say police gave her the all clear
A family is calling for answers after their mother died after they said a police officer gave her the all clear to keep driving. Pauline Fitzsimons, 58, died driving through floodwaters at Dorrigo near Coffs Harbour on Wednesday night. Her family says the police officer gave Ms Fitzsimmons his mobile number to call if she got into any danger, then phoned him 20 minutes later in a 'hysterical state' because she was drowning. 'She told a family member a police officer told her he knew a safe way through to Coffs Harbour and was escorting her through,' son Tiernan Fitzsimons said in a statement to 9 News. 'He guided her into floodwaters and left her to her own devices. 'The idea that our mother was a reckless driver is a terrible lie.' On Thursday, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddel had told media Ms Fitzsimons had been travelling in her 4WD as part of a convoy when the police officer decided to head back. 'He checked the water levels for her, and she made a decision to continue,' he said. 'The water levels were only ankle deep.' On Friday night, a NSW Police statement said a full investigation around the circumstances surrounding Ms Fitzsimons' death would take place, including 'the officer's interactions with the woman prior and the weather conditions at the time'. The police officer involved is reported to be traumatised by the incident, Nine reported.
