A quiet beachside community has been rocked by the discovery of a woman's body outside a historic apartment complex in Adelaide's west. Emergency services were called to Henley Beach shortly after 6:30am on Thursday following reports that a woman had been found unresponsive outside Haigh Mansions, a state heritage-listed unit block built in 1921 by Alfred Ernest Haigh, founder of Haigh's Chocolates.
Despite paramedics' efforts, the woman could not be revived. Detectives and forensic officers spent much of Thursday examining the scene and interviewing shocked locals to determine the cause of death, which remains a mystery. Police are exploring whether the woman may have fallen from a balcony.
Detectives were seen scouring the second floor of the complex, while officers also examined a silver sedan parked nearby before it was towed away. It is understood a man is assisting detectives with their inquiries, but no arrests or charges have been made.
A police spokesperson said: "Detectives are investigating the circumstances of the matter and are speaking with witnesses at the scene. There is no update at this time; investigations are continuing."
Residents and beachgoers were shocked to find the Esplanade blocked off with emergency vehicles and a tent erected to shield the body from public view. One man told the Adelaide Advertiser: "You realise straight away, particularly with a tent being put over the body in the middle of this road, we expected it was quite serious. I was quite shocked; it really is a very quiet street." A beachgoer said: "I was surprised to see flashing lights. I noticed the police tapes blocking off so I had to take a detour along the beach."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
