Dorrigo man swept away: Body found in ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred floodwaters west of Coffs Harbour

Police have revealed a heartbreaking update after a 61-year-old man was swept away in floodwaters caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Wild Cattle Creek Bridge off Old Coramba Road, Megan, amid reports a ute being driven across floodwaters had been swept away.

The driver, a 61-year-old man, was able to escape from the ute and climb a tree about 30m from the riverbank.

Emergency personnel were unable to reach the man before he was swept away himself.

Tragically, NSW Police revealed his body was found by local officers, Fire and Rescue NSW staff and SES members who returned to the area today.

“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.

“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

The news comes as both NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned members of the public not to try and cross floodwaters.

“Never drive through floodwaters, never put yourself in danger, it is the most common way of people losing their lives during these flooding events,” Mr Minns said.

“You risk your own life, a passenger in your car, a family member and also SES and police officials who have been sent in to try and rescue you in the event that you are in difficult situations, and they will always try, but we don’t want to put them in harm’s way.”

Mr Albanese echoed the message just a few hours earlier.

“Stay out of flood waters, do not risk it,” he said.

The Prime Minister later issued a statement confirming the “tragic news” about the 61-year-old man.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the community at this heartbreaking time,” he said.