A 45-year-old mother has tragically drowned while trying to save her son from a riptide. The family was on a beach vacation in Australia. That's when the boy got caught up in a strong current.
45-year-old hairdresser Mel Austin didn't hesitate to try to rescue her son. She had traveled to Dunbogan Beach with her two sons and husband on New Year's Day. According to Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), one of the boys was swept out to sea in a riptide.
The mother swam out to try to save the boy. But she got caught in the strong current herself. Her husband, Joel, managed to rescue the young boy but couldn't save his wife. She died from drowning.
"With the heaviest of hearts, we share the devastating loss of Mel," Mel's goddaughter, Brittany Boyle, said in a GoFundMe. "Her sudden passing has left her family, friends and community completely heartbroken."
Mom Dies In Riptide
The family remembered her as both a "devoted and hands-on mom" and "a cherished friend to so many."
"Joel is now facing the unimaginable — grieving the sudden loss of his life partner while having to support and raise their two young boys on his own. The road ahead is overwhelming, and no one should have to walk it alone," she wrote. The family established the fundraiser to "to help ease the financial burden during this incredibly painful time."
The family is also asking for prayers for their children as they "adjust to life without their beautiful mom."
The owner of Mel's Hair and Beauty in Sydney, the establishment will indefinitely close following the mom's death. Taking to Facebook, the salon asked for patience as it charted a future forward without the owner.
"We kindly ask for privacy, understanding, and compassion during this incredibly painful time. Please be patient and kind with us as we navigate the next steps forward," the employees added.
