A Queensland mother who died trying to drive through floodwaters to fetch sandbags for her neighbours managed to hand her seven-year-old son to safety moments before she was swept away.
Jane Sheahan was helping her neighbour distribute sand bags to other Roma residents, in south west Queensland, when she was sucked under the torrent that raged through the intersection of Miscamble St and Northern Rd about 12.45pm on Friday, News.com.au reports.
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"Save my boy," were the last words the mother was heard to cry before she was swept away.
Witnesses tried to warn Ms Sheahan not to drive into the floodwaters but were too late.
Her ute was swept off the roadway and was flipped over by the force of the rapidly flowing water.
Police are praising an un-named Wallumbilla man as a hero after he braved the raging torrent to rescue Mrs Sheahan's seven-year-old son Darcy.
After the mystery savoir had delivered Darcy to safety he returned for Ms Sheahan but she had already been taken by the water.
Police said the anonymous hero was "too distraught" to speak.
The search continues for the mother-of-two, who has been described as a "lovely woman" and "a great community worker" by Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan.
The mayor said it was the first time a Roma resident had been lost despite the many floods that have passed through the area.
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