Baby Lewis Search Suspended After Police Slam Rumours

South Australian authorities have suspended the formal ocean search for three-month-old Lewis Wright, following a multi-agency operation off Cape Northumberland near Port MacDonnell, according to SA Police Superintendent Trent Cox. The infant’s mother, Helena Wright, plunged from the clifftop with her two children on July 27, 2026, taking 23-month-old Hazel and infant Lewis into the water. While the bodies of Helena and Hazel were recovered floating at the base of the cape, official efforts to locate Lewis have been halted after rough weather cut short a final series of dives.

Superintendent Cox Details End of Formal Search Efforts

Police operations in the waters off Port MacDonnell concluded after a specialized team attempted recovery dives near the rugged headland. According to Superintendent Cox, speaking to the ABC, a group of seven water operations members arrived at the location to conduct underwater searches. “They conducted three dives before weather stopped that effort,” Superintendent Cox stated to the ABC, adding that “unfortunately they were not able to find Lewis” and that “the grim reality is he’s unlikely now ever to be found.” Authorities confirmed that while the formal, active search has ceased, local police will still respond to investigate any debris or material that washes ashore in the future.

Police Appeal to End Social Media Speculation

In the wake of the tragedy, Superintendent Cox urged the public to halt unverified rumors circulating across digital platforms. According to statements reported by the ABC and Daily Mail Australia, community chatter on social media has caused unnecessary distress for the surviving family members. “What I’d like to see happen is a lot of the community chatter that’s going on social media to stop,” Superintendent Cox said. He emphasized that authorities hold a legislative and moral obligation to the coroner to ensure only verified facts are released, noting that compiling official information takes time.

Brad Wright Breaks Silence Amid Community Support

The father of the children, Brad Wright, has made his first public remarks since the incident, responding to a social media post from his local federal MP. Liberal MP Tony Pasin, representing the electorate of Barker, shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign established by a family friend to assist the Wright family with funeral costs, confirming a personal donation of $200. Verified by the Daily Mail Australia, an account using the name “Bee Dubs” and belonging to Brad Wright replied to the politician’s post. “Thank you, Tony. I appreciate you sharing this,” Mr. Wright wrote. As of writing, the fundraising campaign has raised A$39,869 ($47,954).

Investigation and Prior Police Contact

South Australian Police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide after discovering Ms. Wright’s Isuzu SUV parked at the clifftop with its engine still running. Commissioner Grant Stevens previously confirmed that Ms. Wright visited the Mount Gambier Police Station just hours before the tragedy occurred. According to Commissioner Stevens, police are reviewing their internal actions to ensure proper procedures were followed, noting that the force will not wait for the conclusion of a coronial inquest to implement necessary operational changes if shortcomings are identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where did the incident occur? The event took place at Cape Northumberland near Port MacDonnell in South Australia’s South East region.
• What is the status of the search for baby Lewis? According to SA Police, the formal ocean search has been suspended and is unlikely to resume unless new material washes ashore.
• How can the public support the family? A family friend established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses, which has garnered support from community members and local officials.