Dad feared for daughter’s safety before she was found dead in Bayswater North home

The ex-partner of a woman found dead in a Bayswater North home has been deemed not fit to be questioned by police as tributes flow for the mother of two.

Michelle Darragh was found dead at her former Bayswater North home, while her ex-partner, Ben Coman, was taken to hospital. Picture: Facebook

A man arrested over the horrific death of his estranged pregnant partner is yet to be interviewed by homicide squad detectives.

Tradie dad Ben Coman, 29, has not yet been deemed medically fit to face questioning over the death of his 32-year-old ex-partner Michelle Darragh and her unborn child on Saturday night.

Coman remains in hospital under police guard, receiving treatment for critical injuries sustained in his Bayswater North home.

Ms Darragh, a social worker and loving mum, did not survive her injuries and was found dead inside the Huntington Ave home by her father.

She leaves behind two boys, aged one and three, who will now be raised by their grandparents.

Michelle Darragh, 32, died at her former Bayswater North home. Picture: Facebook

Grieving loved ones are struggling to come to terms with the tragic deaths of Ms Darragh and her unborn baby.

Flowers have been left outside the Bayswater North home and an online fundraiser launched to support Ms Darragh’s two surviving sons.

“Michelle leaves behind many loved ones, but most importantly a three-year-old and a one-year-old who will now grow up without the love and support of their devoted mother,” the fundraiser said.

“Michelle’s family and lives have been torn apart, and her two children will be raised by their loving grandparents, surrounded by those that were the closest to her.”

The page had raised more than $20,000 before 2pm on Thursday.

Mr Darragh was found dead inside her ex-partner’s Bayswater North home by her worried father.

Earlier, the 32-year-old social worker suffered fatal injuries inside the Huntington Ave property on October 9.

The Herald Sun has been told that Ms Darragh had been staying at her parents’ home in The Basin following her separation from Mr Coman.

Michelle Darragh and her former partner Ben Coman. Picture: Facebook

It is understood her parents became concerned for her welfare after she failed to return from his home after several hours on Saturday.

“The father was worried that she hadn’t come home yet,” a neighbour said.

Growing more concerned for her safety, Ms Darragh’s father rushed to the Huntington Ave address where he made the shocking discovery.

It’s understood he had to jump a neighbour’s fence to enter the home as he could not get through the front entrance.

The distressed dad alerted the authorities, who arrived on the scene about 7.30pm.

Sadly, Ms Darragh could not be saved.

Mr Coman, a tradie who operates a custom joinery and shop-fitting business, was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The pair’s two surviving children were not at the home at the time of the incident.

Michelle Darragh, pictured with her former partner, Ben Coman, has been described as a ‘dedicated social worker’. Picture: Facebook

Neighbours told the Herald Sun paramedics visited Mr Coman’s home over concerns for his mental and physical welfare about four weeks ago.

A pile of what appeared to be bloody clothes were seen inside the property after Ms Darragh’s death.

Victoria Police was yet to formally interview Mr Coman over the death of Ms Darragh as of Monday evening.

However a police spokeswoman said homicide squad investigators were “not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.”

On Monday floral tributes were left outside the Bayswater North home by loved ones mourning the deaths of Ms Darragh and her unborn child.

Police and forensics at the scene in Bayswater North. Picture: David Crosling

Forensic investigators at the home in Bayswater North. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Darragh’s employer, Uniting Vic. Tas, said her colleagues were “deeply shocked and devastated” by what had occurred.

“Michelle’s death is a terrible tragedy and we extend our thoughts and wishes to her family at this incredibly sad time,” Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike said.

“(She) was a valuable member of our staff and greatly appreciated by her colleagues and the people she supported in her role at Uniting.”

Ms Darragh had been working as a family practitioner at Uniting since February.

Australian Association of Social Workers National President Vittorio Cintio said Ms Darragh was a “dedicated social worker”.

“Our condolences go out to the family of Michelle during this deeply traumatic time. We must never lose sight of the fact that violence in the home is never acceptable,” Mr Cintio said.

The homicide investigation continues.