Family mourning 'happiest couple' after man dies when car plunged into Sydney river

A family is in mourning after their beloved father was killed and their mother hospitalised in a heartbreaking accident. 

Ahmed and Halima Dunia were at their favourite fishing spot when their car rolled through a fence and plunged into the Parramatta River near the boat ramp at Manns Point in Greenwich about 4.20pm yesterday.

Detective Superintendent Paul Devaney said the couple often visited the river to fish, and they had just unloaded their fishing gear when Mr Dunia lost control of the car, driving into the fence.

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The car accidentally struck Mrs Dunia as it travelled towards the water, pushing her into the river.

"The male was moving the car to a car park position when the incident occurred," Devaney said.

"They are husband and wife, they have been coming here every day fishing for a number of years, [they're] both retired ... it is quite a distressing incident."

Mrs Dunia, 74, was pulled from the water by a 55-year-old man who was working nearby when he saw the Toyota make the plunge.

"Upon seeing the incident, he entered the water ... supported the 74-year-old female, and he attempted to remove the male from the vehicle, however, he was unable to do so," Devaney said.

"I informed him we would be submitting an application for recognition for his bravery."

It's understood the rescuer was unable to open the door of the sunken vehicle.

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At 6.30pm, emergency workers found the body of 83-year-old Mr Dunia in the water.

The car was later retrieved from the river as the couple's family watched on.

Ghassam Alameddine, Mr Dunia's brother-in-law, said the two were "the happiest couple".

"She enjoys fishing, he just drops her off here, waits for her here, he doesn't fish," he said.

Mrs Dunia was treated by paramedics with lower leg injuries.

She was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with a suspected broken ankle, bruises, abrasions and shock.

She has undergone surgery today for a broken ankle.

Her family have told 9News they are still in shock, and are trying to wrap their head around what happened.

She remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

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