NSW Floods Claim Second Victim: David Knowles Identified as First Fatality; Sydney Braces for Torrential Rain

Thursday, May 23, 2025 – A second body has been found in floodwaters on the NSW Mid North Coast, as Sydney braces for heavy rain and possible flash floods in the coming days.

Emergency services rushed to the Oxley Highway and Huntingdon Road intersection near Rosewood, about 4km west of Wauchope, around 8:50 PM on Wednesday after reports that a man had been trapped in his vehicle due to rising floodwaters.

Police, the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue, and the Rural Fire Service searched for the man through the night but couldn’t find him or the vehicle. The search resumed early Thursday morning. At 8:00 AM, the body of a man in his 30s was discovered in the area. Police believe it is the missing man, but formal identification is yet to happen.

First Victim Identified, Search Ongoing for Others

This is the second confirmed death from the floods in just 24 hours. On Wednesday, the body of 63-year-old David Knowles was found near his home at North Moto Road, south of Port Macquarie.

According to his daughter, Stacey Hurrell, Mr. Knowles stayed behind to protect his blind dog and cattle while rescuers saved his family. He refused a spot on the rescue boat to make sure his loved ones were safe first.

More People Still Missing

Authorities are still looking for at least two more people:

• A 60-year-old woman traveling between Armidale and Coffs Harbour in her 4WD.

• A 49-year-old man last seen walking into floodwaters near Grafton.

SES Under Pressure

In just 24 hours (till 5:00 AM Thursday), the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) handled over 1,023 calls, including 339 flood rescues.

There were more than 100 outstanding rescues in towns like Taree, Glenthorne, Oxley Island, and Moto.

Sydney Next in Line

SES Commissioner Michael Wassing said they are now preparing for storms in Sydney and the southeast.

“We’ve already deployed teams in advance,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast up to 100mm of rain for Sydney and areas as far south as the Victorian border. Sydney’s western suburbs may experience minor flooding.

The Australian Defence Force is also sending teams for search and rescue in the worst-hit areas starting Thursday night.

Local Heroes Step Up

David Knowles’ best friend, Wayne Drury, known locally as “Hipshot,” led rescuers to the family’s flooded property. Mr. Drury and his team have been praised by the community for saving multiple families.

“They deserve medals,” said Ms. Hurrell.