Australian Girl Dies in Fiordland Drowning, Family Plans Memorial Park

A tragic incident in Fiordland National Park has left a family reeling and has sparked a movement for change. Ten-year-old Tegan Chen, an Australian girl on holiday with her family, lost her life after slipping into the fast-flowing Marian Creek in January 2024. Her parents, Deb Fung and Adrian Chen, have since shared their grief and are now working to turn their tragedy into a lasting legacy.

A Tragic Accident

Tegan was visiting the Fiordland National Park with her family when she slipped on the rocks at the edge of Marian Creek and was swept away by the powerful current. The coroner’s report, released in July 2025, described Tegan as a “very active and happy girl,” capturing the essence of her vibrant spirit.

Her mother, Deb Fung, expressed the depth of their grief, saying, “We miss her every moment, every day.” Fung shared that the coroner’s report included photos showing how easily the path from the trail to the rocks was accessible, highlighting the need for greater safety measures at the site.

Safety Measures and a Memorial

In the wake of Tegan’s death, the Department of Conservation installed temporary warning signs at the site, followed by permanent ones. A new viewing platform, planned before the incident, was completed in June 2025, covering the area where visitors previously could access the rocks. Fung expressed relief at these changes, stating, “I’m so glad they did this. Imagine if it had been there before… it might have changed everything.”

Despite the tragedy, the family has found strength in their grief. Fung described their approach to dealing with the loss: “We’ve learned to embrace the pain, not run from it. It’s been a way to move forward.”

A Legacy of Hope

The Chen family is now planning to build a memorial garden in Sydney’s suburbs, where people can plant trees to honor loved ones who have passed away. This project will also serve as a reforestation initiative, helping to heal both the land and the hearts of those who visit.

Adrian Chen shared that the family hopes their story will inspire others facing similar challenges: “We want to show people that even in the midst of sorrow, there is strength and purpose.” He also emphasized the importance of men opening up about their emotions, saying, “If we don’t have the chance to reflect, we might end up bottling everything up until it’s too late.”

A Call for Continued Improvement

The Department of Conservation has pledged to review its safety protocols and infrastructure across similar locations to prevent future tragedies. Aaron Fleming, the South Island Southern Operations Manager, extended his condolences to the family and acknowledged the immense loss they have suffered.

As the family continues their journey, they remain committed to using their experience to help others. Their message is clear: even in the darkest times, there is a path forward—one that can be shared with others.