Woman Dies Fleeing Alleged Domestic Abuse Through Glass Door in Sydney

A 38-year-old woman has died after crashing through a glass door while reportedly trying to escape a domestic violence incident in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, Australia.

According to a news release issued by New South Wales (NSW) Police on April 16, the woman was found with critical injuries on the morning of April 12 after emergency services were called to an apartment around 7:40 a.m. following concerns for her welfare. She had suffered a severe laceration to her arm and was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital, where she died three days later on April 15.

The Sydney Morning Herald identified the woman as Claire Austin, a UK-born marketing and events manager who had recently taken up a senior role at a Sydney-based creative agency. Authorities believe she sustained the fatal injuries while attempting to flee through a glass sliding door during an alleged domestic violence episode.

Police said a 44-year-old man, known to the victim, was spoken to at the scene and taken to Maroubra Police Station for questioning. He was later released without charge. No arrests have been made, but investigations are ongoing.

Reports from both The Sydney Morning Herald and The New Zealand Herald indicate that police had applied for an apprehended violence order (AVO) on behalf of Austin, which was scheduled to be heard at Waverley Local Court on April 16—just a day after her death.

NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as “disturbing,” expressing sympathy for Austin’s family and underscoring the urgency of tackling domestic violence. “It’s another example of somebody dying, allegedly at the hands of domestic violence,” he said. “There’s a task force in place, and the focus is justice for the woman and her family.”

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell echoed the sentiment, calling the case an “absolute tragedy” and stressing that authorities are committed to uncovering the truth. “People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence,” he said. “It has to end.”

As of now, the investigation remains active, and police have refrained from commenting further while no charges have been filed.