Angela Nesbitt, Steven Dash: Fertility struggles haunt couple before fatal plunge near Sydney Harbour Bridge
A couple who tragically died after plunging from an overpass had reportedly been dreaming of starting a family but had faced painful fertility challenges in the months leading up to their deaths.
Angela Nesbitt and Steven Dash were seen leaving The Star Casino in Pyrmont around 8.55am on Saturday, before they fell to their deaths from an overpass close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge less than an hour later.
Security guards at the casino asked the couple, who were residents of Sydney’s south, to leave the venue after noticing “erratic” behaviour.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A comment about self-harming was allegedly made by the pair as they were leaving the venue, which prompted security to contact police and commence an urgent search due to concerns for their welfare.
Officers were looking around Pyrmont and Darling Harbour when they received a report at 9.45am that two people had fallen from the Western Distributor onto Harbour Street, about an eight-minute walk from the casino.
Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash had a “history of mental health struggles”, according to police, and had made previous threats of self-harm.
The Daily Telegraph reported the couple had threatened dual self-harm at the Queen Victoria Building last year.
Alongside these challenges, the pair were grappling with the emotional toll of unsuccessful attempts to start a family before their fatal plunge, the Daily Mail reports.
It is understood Ms Nesbitt was active in multiple online communities dedicated to surrogacy and egg donation.
In 2023, a year after marrying Mr Dash, she reportedly joined a support group to explore alternative pathways to parenthood.
That same year, the couple appeared in an online advertisement on a fertility site’s “looking for an egg donor angel” section.
In Australia, the financial burden for hopeful parents can be significant, with a single IVF cycle costing as much as $15,000.
NSW Police said in a statement on Saturday they were not treating the incident as suspicious, however, they will investigate whether the pair had been gambling prior to their deaths.
“Following extensive inquiries – and the availability of mobile phone and CCTV footage – investigators have established there are no suspicious circumstances,” NSW Police said.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
