UPDATE: A devastating incident unfolded in Dandenong, Melbourne, on November 12, 2025, as a mother heroically drowned while attempting to save her young son from a rain-swollen creek. Fariba Hussainzada, 33, and her son Farzad, 6, tragically lost their lives after the boy fell into the surging waters around 3:45 PM.
The heart-wrenching event occurred when Farzad, riding his scooter near Allan Street, lost control and plunged into the creek. Witnesses reported that Fariba jumped in immediately to rescue him, but the strong current swept them both away.
Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite performing CPR, both mother and son could not be revived. Their bodies were discovered downstream, marking a heartbreaking end to a frantic rescue attempt.
Fariba is survived by her husband, Hamid Hussainzada, and their two other children, aged 4 and 1. A family friend shared that Fariba had migrated to Australia with her family over a decade ago, and her husband followed after completing his medical degree in Afghanistan.
“She would not leave her kids alone for a minute. Her love for her family was truly remarkable,”
said Saleha Hussainzada, a cousin of Fariba. She described her as a dedicated mother whose caring nature inspired all around her.
Farzad was a student at Doveton College, located just a short drive from the tragic scene. The incident occurred shortly after school hours, as the area had experienced significant rainfall leading to dangerously high water levels in the creek.
Local residents expressed their shock and grief, with one woman noting the distressing sight of emergency responders working tirelessly to save the pair. “It was absolutely tragic watching this unfold right in front of you,” she commented.
The principal of Doveton College, Deb Gibson, extended condolences to the family and stated that mental health support is being offered to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The Victorian Afghan Associations Network also reached out to the family, emphasizing the community’s collective grief and support.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams described the incident as a “terrible tragedy,” offering her heartfelt sympathies to the impacted family and community. “Our hearts go out to the family impacted, and the local community who are grieving with them today,” she stated. “We thank our local emergency services and first responders for their dedication.”
The local community is urged to exercise caution around water as authorities prepare a report for the coroner regarding this tragic incident. As the family navigates this heartbreaking loss, support from the community continues to pour in, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on all who knew Fariba and Farzad.
