A six-year-old girl was discovered deceased earlier this week, around four hours after she went missing in Australia.
Airlie Montgomery was last observed wearing a pink jumpsuit and without shoes at approximately 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 16, near the Grotto Walk in North Nowra, New South Wales, about 104 miles southwest of Sydney.
“When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to South Coast Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts,” New South Wales police stated on Sunday, according to local outlet news.com.au, which reported that Airlie disappeared near her home.
Police reported finding a body in the North Nowra bushland around 6 p.m., concluding a large-scale search. Authorities believe the body is the missing girl. An investigation is underway, and a report will be sent to the coroner.
The search for Airlie included community members and helicopters, with about 100 residents participating in the effort to locate the young girl.
Authorities believe she died as a result of an accident. Police are not treating her death as suspicious or as a potential crime.
The body was found in the Shoalhaven River, below the Grotto Walk, a popular trail with cliff-top views, according to Sky News. The location was roughly 0.5 miles from her family home.
Airlie was non-verbal and had medical conditions, which had heightened concerns for her safety when she initially went missing.
Nowra, New South Wales, is mourning deeply following the tragic death of Airlie, said Mayor Patricia White. She described the town’s sadness as profound, calling Airlie’s passing a devastating loss.
The local community has responded with an outpouring of grief. People placed flowers as a memorial at the Grotto Reserve entrance, where Airlie was discovered. The community had mobilized earlier to assist in the search for the missing child.
Airlie was a North Nowra Public School student, and the NSW Department of Education has expressed deep sadness over the incident. The department provides support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Airlie’s parents, Katie Amess and Corey Montgomery, are reportedly “absolutely devastated” by the loss of their daughter.
A fundraiser has been established on behalf of the family. The organizer described Airlie as a “beautiful little girl” who will be deeply missed.
Police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Airlie’s disappearance and death. While authorities believe the incident was accidental, a final determination will be made following the completion of their investigation and the coroner’s report.
