A man watched his girlfriend die in a fatal incident involving a glass door and cried three heartbreaking words.
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Claire Austin, 38, a British marketing executive living in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Randwick, suffered fatal injuries earlier this month after crashing into a sliding glass door inside her apartment. The shocking impact severed an artery and left her bleeding heavily.
Now, her partner, 44-year-old Lee Loughlin, is under police investigation, though no charges have been filed.
The tragedy unfolded just after 7:30AM, when neighbours were jolted awake by a loud crash—and then a chilling cry.
“Somebody help me,” a voice was heard screaming, according to The Sun.
A resident who lives in the same building told the Daily Mail that while Claire and Lee were known to argue, something about this morning felt different.
“They both sounded (like) something wrong would happen,” the neighbour said.
“I heard the woman at first, and it worried me. Then I heard the man. I think I heard a crash, and then I didn’t hear the woman again.”
Lee Loughlin, who is originally from the UK and runs a recruitment company called Lead Group, reportedly told police that the couple had been arguing before Claire went through the glass door.
He has since cooperated fully with investigators.
Claire was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, but doctors quickly realised the extent of her injuries.
Her family, devastated by the news, flew from Woking, Surrey, to Sydney and arrived just hours before she passed away.
The couple had been living in the two-bedroom Randwick flat since May of last year. While no arrests have been made, it was later revealed that police had filed for an apprehended violence order on Claire’s behalf, which was scheduled to be heard in court.
Deputy Commissioner of New South Wales Police, Peter Thurtell, commented on the investigation:
“This is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to work out exactly what happened.”
He continued: “People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence. Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in DV situations, it is tragic and it has to end.”
Lee was hospitalised in a mental health facility shortly after the incident. He has since been released without charge, though authorities confirmed the criminal investigation remains active.
As the investigation continues, friends, coworkers, and neighbours have begun to mourn the loss of Claire Austin, described as a vibrant and loving woman with a wide social circle and deep impact on those around her.
She was remembered by friends and former colleagues who gathered at her home to pay tribute.
One note left outside read: “To the sweetest soul, it was an honour to have known you. Your presence is truly missed. Thank you for all your love and support – words can’t describe how painful this is. Rest in peace Claire.”