Police are investigating if Tegan Fredericks’ death is the result of criminal neglect

The neighbour of a disabled woman who died in hospital on Monday has described how she looked “untidy” the last time she saw her.

Tegan Fredericks. Picture: Facebook

• ‘Neglect’ probe launched after Tegan’s death

Neighbours of a 26-year-old disabled Port Augusta woman whose death has been declared a major crime investigation have described her family as “quiet” and “reserved”.

Tegan Fredericks, who lived with physical and intellectual disabilities, had a serious fall at her Edinburgh Terrace home last Thursday and died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Neighbours have told The Advertiser Tegan lived with her mother Sharon Fredericks and a sister.

Tegan was reportedly cared for by her grandmother, who lived at the property for more than 30 years, until passing away two years ago.

Ms Fredericks most recently worked for West Augusta Football Club but the organisation did not want to comment on the death.

Alison Wilson, 64, said when she most recently saw Tegan a few months ago on the street, she had concerns for her welfare and described her appearance as being “untidy”.

Ms Wilson said an ambulance attended the property a few months ago but she was unsure why

“She was well looked after by her grandmother, always very tidy, very well-dressed,” she said.

“I’m shocked, I don’t understand it.”

The Port Augusta home where Tegan Fredericks lived with her mum. Major crime and police are investigating if Tegan’s death was caused by criminal neglect. Picture: Dean Martin

Another neighbour, who did want to be named, said the Fredericks’ kept to themselves and the neighbourhood was generally peaceful.

“We all keep to ourselves but you more or less know who’s who around here,” they said.

Just after 10.30am, a man and woman related to Tegan, who occupy a next-door property, briefly returned to their residence to retrieve household items but did not wish to make comment.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Des Bray said police had found “indicators” of criminal neglect that led to the death of the woman.

Detectives returning to No.7. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Bray said it was unclear whether Tegan’s mum was at home at the time she fell.

He said paramedics identified significantly infected wounds, as well as “open wounds and sores”.

“There’s significant indicators present in the investigation at this stage of criminal neglect but it is unclear at this stage if that criminal neglect caused the death or whether the death is caused by serious underlying health issues,” Mr Bray said.

He said although the woman “required ongoing care and support”, her caregivers had not applied for NDIS support.

“The disabilities that the victim had were of such that should have been an ideal person to be under the NDIS and to receive whatever other support was available from any other agency,” Mr Bray said.

“Her physical and intellectual disabilities are such that she needs adult care for the duration of her life, and although she’s 26, her intellectual capability is very, very much lower than that.”

Mr Bray described the condition of the woman’s home as a “squalor”.

“The house is not fit for human habitation,” he said.

“I just think for anybody in the community, it’s just terribly sad that any person could live in these conditions in 2024.”

Major Crime is leading the investigation, and they are being supported by the Forensic Response Section and Port Augusta CIB.

Ms Fredericks’ family has been co-operating with police.