Brit dies in horror incident running through glass door after row with boyfriend (2025)

Claire Austin, 38, suffered fatal blood loss from a severed artery after arguing with her boyfriend Lee Loughlin, 44, at the flat they shared in Sydney, Australia

A woman who bled to death in a horrific tragedy is believed to have run through a glass door following a row with her boyfriend. Marketing executive Claire Austin, 38, originally from Woking in Surrey, is believed to have severed an artery in her arm in the incident at the flat she shared with fellow expat Lee Loughlin, 44, in Sydney, Australia.

Neighbours reported a more serious argument than they were used to hearing from the volatile couple started at around 7am. Just 30 minutes later, Claire was found, losing a fatal amount of blood. One man said the row was "at a different level than usual", with both of them having "sounded [like] something would happen". "I heard the woman at first and it worried me. Then I heard the man. I think I heard a crash and then I didn't hear the woman again," he said.

The next thing he heard was a male voice repeatedly shouting "somebody help me". No one immediately came to his aid, but someone put a call in to the emergency services.

Paramedics rushed her to hospital and she was put on life support, but there was little medics could do due to the blood loss. Loved ones were told she would not survive, so the family flew out to Sydney, and managed to see her just hours before she passed away.

Friends and former colleagues were seen at her apartment, where they left tributes for the 38-year-old and toasted her life. Claire had left her job at The Do Collective last month for a new opportunity. Her co-workers described her as the "sweetest soul" and thanked her for her "love and support" over the years.

One of the cards read: "To the sweetest soul, it was an honour to have known you. Your presence is truly missed. Thank you for all your love and support - words can't describe how painful this is. Rest in peace Claire."

The couple are said to have moved into a flat together in May last year. Neighbours described their relationship as volatile and reported hearing "constant" fighting. However, on Saturday, it seemed more intense.

According to police, Lee fully co-operated with their investigation and has been released without charge. He has been admitted to a mental health facility for an unknown reason.

A spokesman for New South Wales Police said: "He has since been released without charge and no arrests have been made at this time."

However, police say the investigation will continue into any potential criminality until they get to the bottom of what happened. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell told Australia's Daily Telegraph: "This is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to work out exactly what happened."

According to the Daily Mail, Claire's application for an apprehended violence order had been due to be seen in court on Thursday. There was no suggestion that the individual named in the order was linked to the incident that caused her death.