'Very Active and Happy' Girl Drowned in Fiordland National Park, Coroner Confirms

A tragic accident in Fiordland National Park claimed the life of a 10-year-old Australian tourist, described by a coroner as a "very active and happy" girl. The incident, which occurred during a family holiday, has raised concerns about safety at the popular hiking trail and the measures in place to prevent such tragedies.

A Personalized Portrait of a Young Life

Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale shared a heartfelt account of Tegan Chen, a young girl from Lindfield, New South Wales. She described Chen as "brave and expressive" with a passion for horse riding, dancing, and performing for her loved ones. Tegan had even written many song lyrics, a testament to her creativity and joy for life.

The Incident on the Trail

The incident took place on the Lake Marian Falls Track in Fiordland National Park. The family, including Tegan's two older brothers, parents, two grandparents, and an aunt, were returning to Te Anau after an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. The track, a short and popular 20-minute walk, was recommended to the family for its scenic beauty and accessibility.

On January 25, the group reached a boardwalk's endpoint, where a smooth outcrop of rocks extended into the fast-flowing, icy waters of Marian Creek. Borrowdale emphasized that the creek, fed by Lake Marian, was not a typical "creek" but a cold and powerful alpine river.

While Tegan was squatting near the river's edge, her father noticed her trying to stand and subsequently slipping into the water. Initially, she managed to grab a rock and pull herself up, but she was quickly swept away by the current and disappeared from sight.

Aftermath and Search Efforts

Other visitors immediately joined the family in searching for Tegan and called emergency services. Despite the efforts of bystanders and a doctor winched in by helicopter, Tegan was found unresponsive near a logjam about 420 meters downstream. A pathologist confirmed that Tegan drowned and had sustained bruises and abrasions consistent with being tumbled in a rocky river.

Safety and Response by Authorities

Borrowdale noted that the Department of Conservation (DOC) had conducted a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. At the time of the accident, the track was well-maintained, and there was no prior history of serious incidents at the site. However, the DOC later discovered that storm damage in 2020 had subtly altered the track, washing away some natural barriers like moss and ground cover that may have acted as a boundary between the walkway and the rocks.

In response to the tragedy, the DOC upgraded the track by adding a platform that covers the rocks, complete with barriers on all sides and prominent warning signs about the drowning risk. The track was also reclassified to accommodate less experienced walkers and travelers with shorter timeframes.

Reflections and Final Remarks

Given the significant safety improvements made at the site, Borrowdale concluded that there were no further recommendations necessary. The tragedy, however, serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural environments and the importance of vigilance, particularly in areas with hidden dangers.

Tegan Chen's untimely death has deeply affected her family and the broader community. Her memory will live on through the stories shared by those who loved her and the improvements made to ensure the safety of future visitors to Fiordland National Park.