Marketing executive Claire Austin dies from horrific injuries sustained while fleeing alleged domestic violence attack

Haunting details are emerging after a Sydney marketing executive died from “catastrophic” injuries sustained while trying to flee her apartment.

A woman died from “catastrophic” injuries sustained while allegedly trying to flee a domestic violence attack just days before her application for an AVO was to be heard.

Emergency services were called to the Sydney unit of Claire Austin early on Saturday morning after a concerned call from a neighbour who heard shouting.

The 38-year-old was found inside with a partially severed arm and was bleeding profusely from the “severe” injuries after crashing through a glass sliding door at the Randwick property.

Paramedics rushed her to St Vincent’s Hospital in a critical condition.

The marketing executive, who was born in Britain but had lived in Australia for the past decade, spent three days on life support.

She died on Tuesday.

It can now be revealed that an application for an apprehended violence order, submitted by police on Ms Austin’s behalf, was due to be heard at Waverley Local Court tomorrow.

The application process began following the incident at Randwick.

Claire Austin, 38, right, had been on life support after sustaining severe injuries in the alleged attack. Picture: Facebook,

Loved ones rushed from the United Kingdom to Sydney after receiving a devastating call from doctors on Saturday. They arrived just hours before she died.

Ms Austin’s death has sparked an emotional outpouring from domestic violence campaigners and one of the state’s top cops.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said the incident was “an absolute tragedy and the loss of another precious life”.

“People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence,” he told the newspaper.

“Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in DV situations, it is tragic and it has to end.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his horror and sent his thoughts and sympathies to Ms Austin’s loved ones, saying: “I can just imagine how devastated they are today.”

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A man was taken from Ms Austin’s Randwick home to a mental health facility. Picture: Nathan Smith

Paramedics rushed Claire Austin to hospital in a critical condition.

“It’s another example of somebody dying, allegedly at the hands of domestic violence,” Mr Minns said.

“I want the public to be assured that there’s a taskforce that’s been set up by New South Wales Police. They’re taking it incredibly seriously, and the focus will be justice for that woman and her family.”

Prominent domestic violence campaigner Michelle Faye, who’s now running for the Queensland seat of McPherson as an independent, said Ms Austin’s death – if found to be the result of domestic violence – was “not only tragic, but also infuriating”.

“It’s heartbreaking knowing that she’s not the only one. Women are living with this fear and risk every day.

“This must stop. It’s not good enough.”

Ms Faye said instances of domestic violence continue to rise but there had been “no significant change to our systems to mitigate the crisis”.

“These stories keep ending the same way with a woman’s life cut short and no response from policymakers with solutions. They don’t even publicly acknowledge the deaths of these women. There is definitely a ‘don’t discuss domestic violence’ attitude in the political arena.

“I keep talking about awareness to instigate change, yet nothing ever changes. The people with the ability to make real change don’t seem to want to acknowledge the gravity of this situation we face with gender-based violence in Australia.”

Claire Austin had lived in Australia for about a decade after relocating from the UK. Picture: Facebook

Similarly, Kathy Kaplan, founder of the support service Impact for Women, shared her sympathies and frustration in a post on Facebook.

“May her dear soul rest in peace,” Ms Kaplan said.

If proven before the courts, Ms Austin’s death is the third alleged domestic violence-related fatality in 24 hours, she added.

“We’re halfway through our election campaign. Has anyone heard either Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton mention gendered violence or domestic violence as an issue?”

Ms Austin’s home remains an active crime scene. Picture Nathan Smith

Jodie Harrison, the NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, sent her thoughts to Ms Austin’s loved ones.

“I can’t imagine the grief they are experiencing,” Ms Harrison said.

“I hope they may find some comfort in knowing that the NSW Police are working tirelessly to deliver justice for Ms Austin with the establishment of Strike Force Lydoch.

“Without commenting specifically on this matter, the fact is that the data [on] violence against women and domestic violence across New South Wales is sobering.

“In the year to December 2024, there were 39 victims of domestic violence-related murder in New South Wales.

“These are more than numbers. These are women whose lives were unjustly taken, who were deeply loved by their family, their friends, their communities. And whose loss continues to be mourned by so many.”

Ms Harrison said the government remained committed to addressing gender-based violence and taking a “comprehensive response” across prevention, earlier intervention, crisis support and recovery.

“We do not take this responsibility lightly, and will continue to work with experts, communities across the state, those with lived experiences and across party lines to strengthen our response to gendered, domestic and family violence.”

Claire Austin (right) pictured with a friend on Sydney Harbour in 2017. Picture: Facebook

A NSW Police spokesperson said a 44-year-old man known to Ms Austin was taken from the scene by detectives for questioning on Saturday but later released without charge.

The Daily Telegraph reported the man was admitted to a mental health unit last night.

A friend who spoke to the newspaper about their shock at Ms Austin’s death revealed she had been in the process of moving to Queensland.

Another loved one said: “We are all absolutely in shock … our beautiful, beautiful Claire. The light of our lives, our fun, happy, beautiful Claire.”

New South Wales Police have established Strike Force Lydoch to investigate the horrific death.

“No arrests have been made at this time,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

However, police are treating her death as a criminal matter, Mr Thurtell told The Daily Telegraph.

“This is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to work out exactly what happened,” he said.

Ms Austin was a marketing and events executive has worked for a number of companies since landing Down Under, including the acclaimed event SXSW Sydney.

She most recently worked with award-winning agency The Misfits.

Police are asking anyone with information about the death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Marketing executive Claire Austin dies from horrific injuries sustained while fleeing alleged domestic violence attack