A mother who had recently welcomed a premature son is now fighting for her own life after her husband drove their car into a dam.
Kerry Budding and her husband Phil were driving to visit their son Jack, who is still in hospital after being born premature just two weeks ago, when their car veered off the road in Healesville, Victoria, and into the dam.
Mr Budding reportedly pulled his wife from the car and when emergency services arrived they performed CPR before she was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
The man was taken into police custody after the incident but was later released without charge.
Investigations into how the car came to be submerged are still underway.
Before welcoming her beloved baby boy, Ms Budding endured a difficult pregnancy, suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as severe morning sickness.
Tributes poured in for the new mum over the weekend.
“As if life hasn’t tested her enough. Sending all the strength and healing vibes I can” wrote one.
“This is just too sad, too tragic and too horrific. She has been through so much,” added another.
“I’m totally in shock after all they’ve been through already. I pray for her speedy recovery.”