Little Airlie Montgomery’s body was found in a river under a cliff several hundred yards from her house with police now having launched an investigation into how she died
A six-year-old girl has been found dead after she disappeared while wearing a pink jumpsuit and no shoes.
Little Airlie Montgomery was last seen wearing a pink jumpsuit and no shoes after leaving her home in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday afternoon. Officers were concerned for her wellbeing due to her age and medical conditions, including being non-verbal.
The young girl went missing near the Grotto Walk, a walking area known for its cliff-top views. Her home was just a few hundred yards away from the cliff’s edge.
Tragically, her body was found in the Shoalhaven River that was beneath the walking track in North Nowra, about 104 miles southwest of Sydney, on the same day. Police confirmed her death and said it was being treated as accidental and not suspicious.
New South Wales Police said in a statement: “Officers attached to South Coast Police District were notified when the girl could not be located after going missing in the North Nowra area. Officers immediately commenced inquiries into her whereabouts and a wide-scale search commenced to locate her.
“About 6pm, a body was located during the search within a bushland in the North Nowra area. While it is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing girl. Inquiries into the incident have commenced. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”
Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White sound the town of Nowra was “in mourning” after Airlie’s body was found. “This is just an absolute tragedy,” she told the Daily Telegraph. “Hold your kids tight, chat to your neighbours to see if they’re okay.”
Some 100 members of the community and two helicopters were involved in the search for the little girl. Resident Krishan told ABC he helped search for Airlie until it got dark and was distraught when he learned she had been found dead.
There were two helicopters – one arriving around 12 o’clock and a police helicopter at 5pm,” he said. “This morning I was sitting on the bench there and saying a prayer for her and saying bye bye to her.”
Many others took to social media to share their grief following the tragic death. Some said they felt traumatised by the event.
Lyndy Cracknell posted: “Everyone is traumatised that this could happen in our quiet neighbourhood. Sincere sympathies to family friends and schoolmates.”
A tribute page was set up by Tamika Johnson who also set up a fundraiser to support the family. She said. “Airlie is going to be so dearly missed by all that knew her. Rest in peace gorgeous girl.”