Bombshell development as man charged with murder after Ironwoman’s body found

Police have charged a man with murder and other offences in a tragic development after ironwoman Audrey Griffin’s body was found in a creek.

Police have charged a man with murder and other offences one month after ironwoman athlete Audrey Griffin’s body was found in a creek.

The tragic development comes after NSW Police had repeatedly stated the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The 19-year-old was found in the Erina Creek near The Entrance Rd, Erina, on The Central Coast about 5pm on March 23.

Griffin was reported missing hours earlier following a night out with friends at the Gosford Hotel, where she was last seen about 2am.

Audrey Griffin was found in Erina Creek in NSW’s Central Coast. Picture: supplied

The teenager’s body was found by police partially submerged in the water and was reportedly fully clothed.

Preliminary autopsy reports indicate she drowned.

However, there has been a bombshell twist with police on Monday arresting a 53-year-old man in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Surry Hills.

The man has been charged with murder and 11 unrelated domestic violence matters.

Audrey Griffin, 19, was found in Erina Creek on March 23. Picture: LinkedIn

The 19-year-old is believed to have drowned. Picture: Facebook

He was refused police bail to face Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.

Police released a statement on Sunday, saying it will be alleged the man had a physical altercation with the victim,

“The woman’s death was not initially believed to be suspicious,” the statement read.

“Following further inquiries, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Surry Hills about 12.20pm today (Monday 21 April 2025).

“He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with murder and 11 other unrelated domestic violence matters.

“Police will allege the man had a physical altercation with the victim.”

The tragic update comes just days after police went public in releasing a photo of a man who was seen in the area at the time of Griffin’s death. Police said the man may have been able to assist with inquiries.

He was described as having a dark complexion, with a medium build and wearing a red singlet, grey shorts, white runners, a white cap and carrying a black backpack.

Police made it clear when releasing the photo on April 18 the mystery man was not believed to be involved in Griffin’s death, but police believe he may have had information that could help detectives piece her night together.

Police are appealing to the public to help identify a man who was seen in the area. Picture: Brisbane Water Police

“We are not implicating that this man was somehow involved in the incident, we have no indication of that,” Brisbane Water Crime manager Detective Acting Inspector Samantha Richards said.

“We’re simply hoping he might have some information to help us piece together what has happened.”

Griffin’s death rocked the local community, who remembered her as a “beautiful girl” who was “treasured by a lot of people”.

She was a passionate, talented triathlete and had competed in the ANZCO Foods half Ironman competition in Taupo, New Zealand just weeks before her death.

A beloved person in the community, she was a member of the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, and Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club.

It is triathlon that is reported to have been her favourite activity. Seven News reported last month Griffin on March 1 finished the half ironwoman event in New Zealand with a time of 6:40:32, finishing 23rd in her age group classification.

Anyone with information about the incident or has dashcam footage from The Entrance Rd is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Bombshell development as man charged with murder after Ironwoman’s body found