Pauline Fitzsimons: Family of woman who died driving through NSW floodwaters say police gave her the all clear

A family is calling for answers after their mother died after they said a police officer gave her the all clear to keep driving.

Pauline Fitzsimons, 58, died driving through floodwaters at Dorrigo near Coffs Harbour on Wednesday night.

Her family says the police officer gave Ms Fitzsimmons his mobile number to call if she got into any danger, then phoned him 20 minutes later in a “hysterical state” because she was drowning.

“She told a family member a police officer told her he knew a safe way through to Coffs Harbour and was escorting her through,” son Tiernan Fitzsimons said in a statement to 9 News.

“He guided her into floodwaters and left her to her own devices.

“The idea that our mother was a reckless driver is a terrible lie.”

On Thursday, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell had told media Ms Fitzsimons had been travelling in her 4WD as part of a convoy when the police officer decided to head back.

“He checked the water levels for her, and she made a decision to continue,” he said.

“The water levels were only ankle deep.”

Assistant Commissioner Waddell said the officer had cautioned the woman not to drive through floodwaters, and gave her his phone number in case of an emergency.

The woman continued to drive, before calling the officer 30 minutes later in trouble.

On Friday night, a NSW Police statement said a full investigation around the circumstances surrounding Ms Fitzsimons’ death would take place, including “the officer’s interactions with the woman prior and the weather conditions at the time”.

“Detectives and an assigned family liaison officer are in contact with the family and will keep them informed throughout the investigation,” a spokesman said.

“Detectives will prepare a report for the coroner.”

The police officer involved is said to be traumatised by the incident, Nine reported.