Tragic Discovery in North Nowra: Body of Missing Girl Found
Authorities have confirmed the discovery of the body of a 6-year-old girl, just four hours after she was reported missing from her family residence over the weekend. The deceased has been identified as Airlie Montgomery, a child with communication difficulties who required regular medication.
Girl Vanished Near Home
Airlie was last seen at 2:15 pm on Sunday in the regional town of North Nowra, situated on the NSW South Coast of Australia. She disappeared in proximity to The Grotto Walk, a forested area characterized by a cliff face, located approximately 800 meters from her dwelling.
Body Recovered from Waterway, Death Not Suspicious
Her body was located in a waterway beneath the Grotto. Law enforcement officials are not treating the incident as suspicious and believe it to be a devastating accident.
Mother’s Grief and Community Support
Airlie’s mother, Katie Amess, understandably distraught, declined to comment to journalists regarding her daughter’s passing. “I can’t talk right now. I can’t say anything,” she stated amidst tears as local residents gathered to express their sympathy.
A neighbour, Cathy, who was reportedly the last individual to see Airlie, told Daily Mail Australia that the young girl frequently played on a grassy area near a house a few doors from her own. Cathy revealed that Airlie had suffered a fatal neck injury.
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“She was a delightful little one, always smiling and waving when she saw you. But yesterday she was crying… and then I didn’t see her. She must have wandered off,” Cathy recounted.
Community Search Ends in Sorrow
The local community united to conduct a search for Airlie. However, their efforts tragically concluded when it was determined she had fallen from the cliff above the Grotto. The Montgomery family home is located within walking distance of North Nowra Public School, where Airlie was a student. Corey Montgomery, Airlie’s father, was seen leaving the school on Monday carrying pink flowers. Floral tributes have been placed at the family residence.
Similar Tragedy Highlights Risks for Autistic Children
This incident is not an isolated case involving a child with autism venturing into a wooded environment. On December 2, 2024, authorities announced the sorrowful discovery of seven-year-old Jacob Baer’s body in a river. The young boy, diagnosed with autism, had reportedly gone missing after going for a walk with his father on Saturday. According to reports from ABC affiliate WBAY, Baer became separated from his father during their walk.
Search for Jacob Baer
Unable to find his son, the father contacted emergency services and reported his child missing. Police were immediately dispatched to Veterans Park on School St. in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Extensive Search Operation
Officers deployed drones and helicopters in the search operation, which led to the recovery of some of Baer’s belongings in a nearby river on Saturday evening. The search for the missing boy resumed on Sunday morning, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources successfully locating a potential area in the water, which was 5 to 6 feet deep.