Tragedy as body found in search for missing 6yo girl in Nowra

Community leaders say ‘words cannot describe’ the pain as they mourn a young girl who went missing in southern NSW.

Six-year-old Airlie Montgomery went missing from Nowra in southern NSW. Picture: NSW Police/Supplied.

A southern NSW community is in mourning after the desperate search for a missing six-year-old girl ended in tragedy.

Authorities launched a widespread search on Sunday afternoon after Airlie Montgomery, 6, was reported missing after she was last seen in North Nowra at about 2.15pm.

Police launched an appeal for public assistance to find the little girl, saying they held serious concerns for her welfare given her age and that she has a number of medical conditions.

Police launched a search for six-year-old Airlie Montgomery. Picture: NSW Police/Supplied.

She was described as wearing a hot pink jumpsuit. Picture: NSW Police/Supplied.

She was last seen wearing a hot pink jumpsuit and no shoes.

However in a tragic turn of events, a body was found in bushland at the Grotto Reserve walking area in North Nowra on Sunday afternoon.

The body has yet to be formally identified but police said it is believed to be that of the missing girl.

Police have confirmed the young girl’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White told media the community was shaken and mourning the death of a beautiful young girl.

“This is just an absolute tragedy,” Ms White told the South Coast News.

“Words cannot describe how horrible this is.

“Hold your kids tight, chat to your neighbours to see if they’re okay.”

Two helicopters and about 100 community members were involved in the search for the missing girl.

Community members have laid flowers at the entrance of the The Grotto Reserve bushwalking area in North Nowra where police believe they discovered the body of six-year-old Airlie Montgomery who went missing on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Richard Dobson

Local resident Krishan told the ABC he helped search for the six-year-old until it was getting dark and was very saddened to learn that she had passed away.

“There were two helicopters - one arriving around 12 o’clock and a police helicopter at 5pm,” he said.

“This morning I was sitting on the bench there and saying a prayer for her and saying bye-bye to her.”

Community members have shared their grief on social media, with some saying they felt traumatised by the tragic event.

“Everyone is traumatised that this could happen in our quiet neighbourhood. Sincere sympathies to family friends and schoolmates,” Lyndy Cracknell posted.

Tamika Johnson set up a tribute page and online fundraiser to support the family who are now grieving their beloved daughter.

“Airlie is going to be so dearly missed by all that knew her,” she said.

“Rest in peace gorgeous girl.”

NSW Police said an investigation into the incident has commenced and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Tragedy as body found in search for missing 6yo girl in Nowra