BREAKING: Body of a woman in her 20s has been located on a riverbank near Mudgee

October 24, 2022

Cooyal Creek at Linburn Lane near Cooyal on Sunday. Mudgee Rescue Squad.

By Peter Holmes

The body of a woman has been located following a multi-agency search in the state’s Central West.

About 11pm yesterday (Sunday October 23, 2022), emergency services were called to Cooyal Creek at Gulgong, approximately 110km north of Orange, after reports a vehicle had been swept into flood waters.

Inquiries revealed a vehicle was travelling west along Spring Creek Road, when it was swept off the causeway.

The driver, a 45-year-old man, and two male passengers – aged 43 and 26 – escaped the vehicle and made their way to safety.

A third passenger – a woman aged in her 20s - reportedly also got out however she remained missing overnight.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District, assisted by the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) conducted land and water searches. The Toll Rescue Helicopter also attended to assist.

The multi-agency search continued about 7am today (Monday October 24, 2022) and the body of a woman was located on the riverbank about 9.50am.

While she is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing 28-year-old woman.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Cooyal Creek meets Spring Creek Road. Google Earth.

From earlier today:

Emergency services remain at the scene with the search to continue this morning.

NSW RFS - Cudgegong District posted on social media on Monday: "Overnight, volunteer firefighters from NSW RFS Gulgong Brigade responded as part of the multiagency response to this incident.

Cooyal Creek at Home Rule, north of Mudgee. NSW RFS.

"Further crews from NSW RFS - Mudgee Headquarters Brigade, NSW RFS - Mullamuddy Brigade, Cudgegong Remote Area Firefighting Team and Communications Unit have been tasked to assist with ongoing search operations this morning.

"With floodwaters still yet to reside in a number of areas, motorists should continue to exercise a high level of caution while moving around the region.

"Remember- if it’s flooded, forget it!"

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.