The body of a teenager missing in floodwaters in south-west New South Wales has been found.
Name and image used with the permission of the family
Mutti Mutti man Nungarra Kelly, 19, had been missing since Saturday, when he was swept away in floodwaters from the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Balranald.
A search began after a passer-by on the Swing Bridge saw a man dragged beneath the surface of the water.
Police and the State Emergency Service (SES) and other agencies spent five days using boats, drones and helicopters on the river and its banks to search for Mr Kelly.
Police said his body was retrieved at Balranald at about 8:30am today.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Community pays tribute
Tributes have begun to flow on social media for Mr Kelly and his family.
Mr Kelly is a member of the Mutti Mutti community — the traditional owners of the Balranald area.
His family, who have been holding a vigil on the banks of the river, described the past few days as "heart wrenching".
Members of the community, including local Parish priest Father Paul Newton, have been supporting the family on the river bank, bringing them food and other supplies.
"I rang the family immediately [after hearing the body had been recovered] just to offer my heartfelt condolences and support and just to be a listening ear," Father Newton said.
"I've spent many hours down there with the family at the riverside just being present and bringing some food, listening and just being with them.
"I updated a post to ask everyone to pray for him and also just to show kindness to the family and not only that, but to check in on each other."
Father Newton said it was critical the community looked after each other.
"This is a weeks, months, years ongoing journey. It's very personal and for each individual it will impact them at different times," he said.
"Grief is never meant to be journeyed alone or without love, it's just too hard on our own."
