Mother who died with child at lookout south of Sydney identified
Detectives and forensic officers are investigating the death of a German woman and her two-year-old daughter whose bodies were found at the bottom of a lookout near Wollongong.
Emergency services were called to Robertson Lookout, at Mount Keira, just after 1.50pm on Tuesday following reports people might have gone over the edge of the cliff.
Emergency crews retrieved the bodies of Tanja Ludwig and the girl on Tuesday night.
As Police Rescue Squad members used abseiling equipment to reach the site where the pair died, community members laid flowers in honour of the lives lost.
One woman who placed a bunch of flowers on the road on Wednesday told reporters at the scene she, referring to herself, was "just a mum".
The most recent public post on a Facebook page in Ms Ludwig's name, made just before Christmas last year, spoke about mental health.
"Its ok not to be ok. We all need support sometimes," Ms Ludwig wrote alongside the contact information of counselling organisations.
A crime scene was established as officers from Wollongong Police District worked into the night with ambulance crews and other emergency service personnel.
Police returned to the scene at first light on Wednesday to continue investigations. At this stage the deaths are being treated as a potential murder-suicide.
Superintendent Chris Craner, District Commander of Wollongong Police District, said the news was going to be "absolutely devastating" for the family and the entire community.
"My thoughts are also with the emergency services who have turned up here today to this horrific incident," he said on Tuesday.
"Just seeing the police walk off and the ambulance walk off, you think, 'You poor buggers. I know what you're about to face when you get down there', so that's what I find upsetting for the troops."
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
❏ Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636.