The Evans Head community is grieving the loss of a 17-year-old girl who died when the car she was driving crashed into a river in South Ballina, on the New South Wales north coast.
Police divers retrieved the girl's body from the Richmond River about 5:30pm yesterday.
The silver Mazda 2 was submerged six metres underwater, after careering off River Drive shortly before midday.
A 17-year-old girl, who was a front-seat passenger, was able to escape, however the driver remained trapped inside the sinking car.
Police said the three civilians and three officers who jumped into the river in an attempt to save the girl will all be considered for formal recognitions of their bravery.
A number of first responders including officers from Richmond Police District, Marine Area Command, PolAir, police divers, SES, NSW Ambulance, NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue, and NSW Surf Life Saving were all at the scene yesterday afternoon, working to locate and recover the driver and the vehicle.
The vehicle was recovered around 6:00pm last night, and has since been towed for mechanical examination.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Richmond Police Acting Inspector Anthony Smith said everyone was shocked by what happened.
"It will affect a lot of people including all the emergency services who tried to get the driver out and unfortunately they couldn't," he said.
Acting Inspector Smith said it was unclear what caused the accident, and he appealed for witnesses to contact police.
"The vehicle was travelling south and has failed to negotiate the right-hand bend and has tragically ended up in the water," he said.
"We believe there could be another witness to the accident and we encourage that driver to come forward."
As police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash, detectives are urging any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
