Questions unanswered over Airlie Montgomery’s North Nowra death

It is still unclear how six-year-old Airlie Montgomery wandered from her home past dozens of homes before dying in what police have described as a tragic case of misadventure.

More than 48 hours after the discovery, it is still unclear how six-year-old Airlie Montgomery wandered from her home past dozens of homes before dying in what police have described as a tragic case of misadventure.

About 6pm Sunday, the little girl was found dead at The Grotto Reserve in North Nowra, just hours after a widespread frantic search was launched, involving emergency services, helicopters and hundreds of community members.

In the last known photo of Airlie, she was seen wandering down the street in a pink jumpsuit, walking through a yard.

NSW Police said the circumstances surrounding the tragic death were not suspicious, labelling it likely accidental.

Community members have placed flowers at the entrance The Grotto Reserve bushwalking area in North Nowra in honour of Airlie. Picture: Richard Dobson

Airlie was last pictured walking down a North Nowra street. Picture: NSW Police/Supplied.

Questions were raised how “such a young girl” could have trekked unseen past dozens of homes to the reserve.

“And on top of that, to get so deep into the bush, she would have had to walk over big boulders, avoid holes,” one local said.

The Daily Telegraph asked NSW Police exactly where Airlie walked from and how the situation ended in such grim circumstances.

“We won’t be providing any further updates,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

Airlie was found deceased in The Grotto Reserve, North Nowra. Picture: Richard Dobson

The tragedy has left the tight-knit coastal community in mourning, with local leaders urging people to support each other.

“Hold your kids tight, chat to your neighbours to see if they’re okay,” Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White told this publication.

Federal Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips also spoke of the tragedy, saying her thoughts were with family and friends.

She urged anyone who needed support to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Originally published as Questions unanswered over Airlie Montgomery’s North Nowra death