SHE WAS BUBBLY AND KIND..! – NEIGHBORS LEFT IN SHOCK AFTER CHILLING NEW DETAILS SURFACE ABOUT HELENA WRIGHT’S FINAL DAY
Mother Helena Wright went to police station day before murder-suicide involving her toddler and baby
The bodies of the woman and her toddler were pulled from the ocean on South Australia’s coast, with police calling off the search for her three-month-old baby.
A mother suspected of committing a double murder-suicide went to a South Australian police station the day before the tragedy, police have revealed.
The bodies of Compton woman Helena Wright, 36, and her 23-month-old daughter were pulled from the ocean near Port MacDonnell on Monday.
Locals had found a vehicle abandoned with its engine still running nearby.
Ms Wright’s three-month-old son remained missing, with authorities continuing the search on Wednesday before calling it off after receiving advice the child could not have survived.
“Based on expert advice and available information, the infant could not have survived the period of time that has elapsed, either in the water or on land,” police said.
“Additionally, a range of factors, including the search environment and prevailing weather conditions, significantly reduce the likelihood of locating the infant in the immediate term.”
Police further revealed Ms Wright had attended the local police station on Sunday and officers conducted a welfare check the following morning.
“South Australia Police can confirm Helena Wright attended the Mount Gambier Police Station on Sunday, 26 July where she spoke with police,” police said.
“Police can also confirm as a result of a call from a friend received at about 9.28am on Monday, 27 July a patrol conducted a welfare check at the home address of Ms Wright.
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“No one was located at that time.”
Helena Wright and her toddler daughter were pulled from the ocean in Port MacDonnell. Picture: Instagram
Police said they received reports from members of the public at 11.13am of Ms Wright’s car at Cape Northumberland.
“As this matter is now subject to a coronial investigation, SAPOL will provide all relevant information and evidence to the coroner,” police said.
“It is not appropriate to comment further while coronial proceedings are underway.”
Neighbours told The Advertiser the family were very private but always had time for a chat and were helpful.
They described the mother as “bubbly”, adding she loved her garden and often shared kind banter with other locals.
“They’re very religious … they go to the church every Sunday,” one neighbour said.
They also said Ms Wright was a stay-at-home mum who enjoyed making children’s clothes.
The Advertiser reported that those close to Ms Wright had recognised she was struggling with her mental health.
But the neighbours said she appeared to be a “great mother”.
“(We) never heard a raised voice (from the home) … they were great neighbours, just fantastic,” they said.
Ms Wright was born in Estonia, according to Facebook.
Detective Inspector Cox said the likelihood of finding the infant was ‘zero’. Picture: SA Police
Earlier, Superintendent Trent Cox said the infant was with his mother earlier in the day on Monday, but that the likelihood of him now being found alive was “zero”.
“The reality is after three days … the chances of finding the baby alive are zero, sadly,” he said.
“It’s a retrieval effort, but we don’t know where he is.”
Police do not believe anyone else was involved.
“At this time, there is no information to suggest that any person other than the mother and her two children were involved in this heartbreaking incident,” a statement said.
The deaths are now being investigated as a murder-suicide.
Superintendent Cox said Ms Wright’s husband and the children’s father had been informed.
He said he told the search crew to “look after yourselves, look after your loved ones”.
“Give your kids an extra tight hug,” Superintendent Cox said.
“(The deaths will) affect the community whether they have children or not because the deaths of such young children and a mother in these circumstances is tragic on so many levels.
“So just wrap your arms around everyone.”
Police searched for the woman’s three-month-old son until Wednesday. Picture: SA Police
He said a team of psychologists and medical staff would be in Mt Gambier for the next two days to offer support to those who need it.
“Two days doesn’t represent the end of that support,” he said.
“It’s on the ground – they are 24/7 resources for as long as any member needs it.”
The search on Wednesday included specialist police units joined by SES and volunteers operating on land, sea and air.
Crew from the Adelaide-based Country Fire Service also joined the search in the afternoon.
“We’ve been able to … get an aerial drone up,” he said.
“We did consider the use of an underwater drone but once again the water conditions are not favourable for that.”
Police thanked the search volunteers for their efforts to find the missing infant.
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“We are extremely grateful to the dedicated SES members, volunteers and SAPOL personnel who have worked tirelessly throughout the investigation and search operation,” a statement read.
“Their professionalism, commitment and compassion during these difficult circumstances have been invaluable.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
