Hero policewoman, 39, who survived cancer dies trying to save female student, 24, who drowned after getting sucked into a notoriously dangerous whirlpool during a trek in the Blue Mountains
An international student, 24, and a policewoman have drowned in the NSW Blue Mountains, with witnesses reporting the heroic officer was trying to save the student from a whirlpool.
The bodies of Senior Constable Kelly Foster, 39, and the younger woman were recovered on Sunday about midday after they went missing at Wollangambe Canyon yesterday.
Witnesses said Senior Constable Foster tried to rescue the younger woman after her inflatable lilo was swept in by a whirlpool, tipping her off and into the water.
But she was also swept into the whirlpool as she tried to haul out the stricken tourist.
Their friends attempted to save the pair by throwing a rope towards them but they failed to surface.
Senior Constable Foster survived cancer and in 2016 friends started a fundraiser to collect money to pay for her treatment.
Witnesses say Senior Constable Kelly Foster, 39, attempted to rescue the younger woman after her inflatable lilo was swept in by a whirlpool, tipping her off and into the water
The younger woman has not been identified but is believed to be a 24-year-old international student from Chiswick in Sydney. (pictured emergency services after operation was launched to find the pair)
Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene about 2.30pm and helped eight other members of the group the pair were part of, who were not injured
Her colleagues have remembered her as a hero who will 'never be forgotten'.
'She had served her community as part of the NSW Police Force since 2010 and will be dearly missed by her colleagues,' a statement released from police read.
'The tragic death is a sincere loss for her family, community and the NSW Police Force.'
The younger woman has not been identified but is believed to be a 24-year-old international student from Chiswick in Sydney.
The women disappeared beneath the water at Mount Wilson on Saturday afternoon.
Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene about 2.30pm and helped eight other members of the group the pair were part of, who were not injured.
The search resumed on Sunday morning with police divers joining the effort, after it was suspended about 6pm on Saturday because of poor weather.
Members of Senior Constable Foster's family came to the canyon to witness the search in the desperate hope she would be found alive.
It’s believed both women were canyoning in water only that can only be reached after hours of hiking through rough terrain
It’s believed both women were canyoning in water only that can only be reached after hours of trekking through rough terrain.
Canyoning involves hiking, swimming, abseiling and navigating rock formations while travelling through canyons or river areas.
Senior Constable Foster, who was most recently stationed in Lithgow, has been remembered by colleagues as a 'selfless and compassionate' person.
'RIP my old Academy mate. Always a selfless and compassionate individual. You will now be remembered as a hero. I will treasure the memories of our good times in Goulburn,' a former colleague wrote.
The Police Association of NSW also shared their condolences, saying the 'blue family' is in mourning.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The canyon is believed to have been flooded due to recent heavy rainfall.
The other members of the group were uninjured and were assisted by police officers and paramedics.
The search resumed on Sunday morning with police divers joining the effort, after it was suspended about 6pm on Saturday because of poor weather