Brave mother-of-three dies saving the life of her daughter after spotting her girl, seven, struggling in a rip in the surf
- New Zealand mum of three drowned while trying to save daughter from a rip
- Friends and family pay tribute to Kelsi Wood, whose life support was turned off
- Fund-raising page in honour of the ‘super mum’ has raised almost $18,000 so far
- Drowned at notoriously dangerous Baylys Beach in Northland’s Kaipara region
A ‘devoted super mum’ has tragically drowned after risking her own life to save her little girl from a strong rip at a notoriously dangerous New Zealand beach.
Kelsi Wood was at Baylys Beach in Northland’s Kaipara region with her family on Thursday afternoon when she got into trouble in the water while trying to rescue her seven-year-old daughter.
She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, where her life support was turned off on Friday morning.
Her young daughter only suffered minor injuries.
Kelsi Wood has been remembered as a’ devoted super mum’ with a bubbly personality
New Zealand Police described Ms Wood’s death as an absolute tragedy, which has been referred to the Coroner.
Ms Wood leaves behind three young children aged nine, seven and five.
A Givealittle fund-raising page set up in honour of the ‘devoted super mum’ has raised almost $18,000 within 24 hours.
‘Kelsi was working at Dargaville Kindergarten where she was loved by the children, parents and colleagues, known for her infectious bubbly personality and her devotion to her friends and family,’ the page states.
‘Donations will go towards covering her funeral costs, any remaining money will go towards the children’s future schooling needs.
Ms Wood’s Facebook page has been flooded with heartfelt tributes.
A fundraising page set up in honour of Kelsi (pictured) has raised almost $18,000 so far
Baylys Beach (pictured) on New Zealand’s North Island is a notoriously dangerous beach
‘You were a soul sister to so many of us. Nearly nine years ago you came into our lives, a bubbly and vibrant breath of life. You will forever be missed and never forgotten,’ one friend wrote.
Ms Wood’s best friend added: ‘The last 24 hours have been like a bad dream I keep trying to wake up from. She is an amazing single super mum of three and is going to be so badly missed by all.’
The tragedy also rocked the Dargaville Primary School community, where her children attend.
‘It has been a difficult day for staff who have had the challenging role of communicating this tragic incident with their children,’ the school posted on Friday.
‘Our school would like to reassure our community that we will remain open and all the appropriate support is in place to help students and staff through this time.’
Kelsi (pictured) drowned while trying to save her seven-year-old daughter from a strong rip
Ms Wood’s mother Susan Fowlie described her as a strong and fiercely independent woman with an intelligent mind and an incredible mother who loved unconditionally.’
‘I am so heartbroken. She leaves behind three beautiful children family members, partner and friends….we are lost for words,’ Ms Fowlie told the New Zealand Herald.
‘She was amazing….I will miss her for the rest of my days.’
Ms Wood’s funeral is this Wednesday and will be buried next to her father.
Ms Wood is the latest swimmer to drown at the notoriously dangerous beach.
A teenager died there in 2012, at Baylys Beach while two men drowned in separate incidents within a week of each other in early 2006.
The Baylys Beach Society has placed a rahui to restrict access to the beach out of respect of Ms Wood, which remains in place until Monday.
The mother-of-three’s Facebook page has been flooded with heartfelt tributes