Police seek mystery man after death of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin in Erina Creek

Police are hoping a mystery man holds new clues on how a teenage girl came to be found partially submerged in a lake after a night out with friends.

Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a mystery man after the body of beloved teenager Audrey Griffin was discovered in a NSW creek.

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

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

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

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

Preliminary autopsy reports indicate she drowned.

While her death is not being treated as suspicious, police are urging the public for more information about the circumstances.

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

Authorities have released an image of a man who was seen in the area at the time, and may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is 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.

The man police are looking for is not believed to be involved in Ms Griffin’s death, but police believe he may have information that can help detectives piece her night together.

“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.”

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

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

Ms Griffin, who was a talented athlete, had competed in the ANZCO Foods half Ironman competition in Taupo, New Zealand 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.

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