Haunting text message a mother sent moments before her daughter, 3, died in Orange

The mother of a three-year-old who mysteriously died sent a ‘final’ text message to the little girl’s grandmother moments before the tragedy. 

The girl, reportedly named Isla Lee Gurney, was discovered inside her home in Orange, in New South Wales’ Central West, on Thursday night. 

A neighbour had earlier contacted police to say they were concerned for Isla’s welfare and when police arrived at the property they found her body in a bedroom and her mother Tamara, 40, in another room.

Tamara was ‘slipping in and out of consciousness’ and was rushed to Orange Base Hospital where she remained on Friday under police guard.

 

The girl, reportedly named Isla Lee Gurney (right), was discovered inside a home in Orange, in NSW’s Central West, on Thursday night. Her mother Tamara (left) was found ‘slipping in and out of consciousness’

Her mother Margaret Gurney has revealed Tamara sent a haunting text message before Isla’s body was found. 

‘Tamara sent a text saying what a wonderful mother I was, everything and she used past-tense – that’s how I knew,’ Ms Gurney told Nine News.

‘And she said I’ll say goodbye now mum, I won’t be here tomorrow.’

Ms Gurney said she had only just spoken to her granddaughter Isla, whom she described as being ‘the most gorgeous’ little girl. 

‘I talked to her [Isla] on Wednesday night, she said ”I love you grandma, you’re the best grandma”,’ Ms Gurney said as she was overcome by tears. 

A friend of the family told Daily Mail Australia the child’s father, who lives interstate, was awarded custody of the girl on July 31. 

Police confirmed they were looking into the possibility there was a custody struggle in the lead up to the child’s death. 

Ms Gurney told Nine News her daughter was distraught about Isla moving in with her former partner. 

Margaret Gurney (pictured) revealed Tamara sent a suggestive text message before Isla's body was found. 'Tamara sent a text saying what a wonderful mother I was, everything and she used past-tense - that's how I knew,' she said

Margaret Gurney (pictured) revealed Tamara sent a suggestive text message before Isla’s body was found. ‘Tamara sent a text saying what a wonderful mother I was, everything and she used past-tense – that’s how I knew,’ she said

Isla was found dead inside her home (pictured) in Orange, in NSW's Central West on Thursday night

Isla was found dead inside her home (pictured) in Orange, in NSW’s Central West on Thursday night

At a press conference on Friday afternoon, police said a neighbour who had formed a close bond with the woman received a call from one of her relatives in Queensland which ’caused him to alert authorities there might be something wrong’.

Specialist officers were called to the home from Bathurst and Sydney, and have been speaking with neighbours and processing evidence from the premises. 

Officers were ‘particularly taken aback’ by the scene, and care is being provided to neighbours who had a close relationship with the mother and her child.

Commander of the Central West Police District Superintendent Chris Taylor, told reporters police were not currently considering charging the mother, as it was too early into the investigation. 

Police confirmed they were looking into the possibility there was a custody struggle in the lead up to the child's death

Police confirmed they were looking into the possibility there was a custody struggle in the lead up to the child’s death 

He said officers had contacted the woman’s family in Queensland, and her relatives had been ‘shattered’ to learn of the child’s death. 

The mother and daughter had lived in Orange by themselves for about six months. Tamara had a job and her daughter was enrolled in childcare.  

They were previously living in Blayney, about 30 minutes away, with relatives.  

Whether or not the family were engaged with local social services will form part of investigation. 

Lifeline: 13 11 14 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

A neighbour had gone to the police after he received a call from the woman's relatives in Queensland, concerned for her wellbeing

A neighbour had gone to the police after he received a call from the woman’s relatives in Queensland, concerned for her wellbeing 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk