A critical incident investigation is underway following the discovery of a woman's body in a vehicle outside a police station in Lake Illawarra. The body was located by officers from the Lake Illawarra Police District at approximately 4:30pm on Friday, 5 December 2025.

The woman, who has not yet been formally identified, was confirmed to be 48 years old after an assessment by NSW Ambulance paramedics. Early indications suggest that she had been in the vehicle since around 6:30pm on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar stated that CCTV footage showed the woman entering the police station on Tuesday, where she interacted with police and spent some time in the foyer. After leaving the station, she is believed to have entered the back seat of her vehicle.

"It does appear the woman had been living inside that vehicle," Assistant Commissioner Cassar remarked. He noted that the circumstances surrounding her visit to the police station, including whether she sought assistance or intended to file a report, will be part of the ongoing investigation.

The woman was found in an advanced state of decomposition, which authorities attribute to the hot weather conditions and the locked state of the vehicle. "There would have been exceptional temperatures inside the vehicle," Cassar added.

A crime scene has been established, and the South Coast Police District is leading the critical incident investigation. This investigation will be subject to an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and will also be overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Police are working diligently to formally identify the woman and understand the events leading up to her death.