Man dead and toddler fighting for life in hospital after both were found struggling in water

Detailed summary

NSW Police said they had received 'reports of a man and boy struggling in the water'.

Published: 03:21 GMT, 12 November 2026 | Updated: 03:39 GMT, 12 November 2026

A man has died and a toddler is fighting for life after they were pulled from the water on New South Wales' Mid North Coast.

On Thursday, emergency services were called at about 10.15am to Fishermans Reach Road at Fishermans Reach, which borders the lower reaches and estuary system of the Macleay River.

NSW Police said they had received 'reports of a man and boy struggling in the water'.

Members of the public assisted with removing the pair from the water and commenced CPR before officers arrived at the scene to assist.

The man and boy were treated by paramedics; however, the man, who is yet to be formally identified but is believed to have been in his late 20s, could not be revived and died at the scene.

The boy has been airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Mid North Coast Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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