Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.
A father and his baby daughter have died after falling from a South Australian (SA) dam in what police say is a murder-suicide.
Emergency services were called to the Barossa Reservoir in SA on Wednesday after receiving reports a man had jumped from the dam's Whispering Wall - a popular tourist attraction - with a baby attached to him in a child carrier.
The father and daughter, identified as 38-year-old Henry Shepherdson and nine-month-old Kobi, died at the scene.
"Obviously this is a highly distressing and emotional set of circumstances, not only for the family and friends of Kobi and also Henry - but for the people who were witnesses and tried to assist Kobi at the scene," said SA assistant police commissioner Ian Parrott, as reported by 7 News.
There appeared to be a history of domestic violence within the family, Parrott said.
"We have a beautiful little face which will probably be the face of domestic violence moving forward."
Parrott thanked members of the public who stopped to assist.
"No one likes to see kids suffering," he said, the ABC reports. "The bravery and compassion that those people showed to help Kobi at the time is immeasurable."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
