Australian father drives off wharf killing himself and two kids

Damien Little drove his car off the wharf at high speed. Photo / Facebook

A South Australian town is in shock after a father drove off a wharf killing himself and his two young children.

Police divers recovered the bodies of Damien Little and his children, Hunter, aged about 1, and Koda, 4, from inside the submerged vehicle at Brennan's Wharf, Port Lincoln, on Monday.

According to the Daily Mail the car was driven off the wharf at high speed into 30-metre deep water.

Detectives said they were not treating it as an accident.

A rifle with a telescopic sight was also recovered from the water.

Police recovered the vehicle from the water. Photo / Nine News

Witnesses described seeing the car nose-dive into the water after driving off the wharf at up to 80km/h.

Little, aged in his 30s, had reportedly posted a suicide note on social media at 5.45am on Monday. However, the note was removed by his wife, Melissa, who shared the Facebook page with him.

A neighbour told The Advertiser Melissa and Damien were "doting parents".

A friend said Little had seemed "absolutely fine" only days prior.

"He is a normal guy, he is not a big drinker or anything like that, with a family, and I could not sense anything was wrong when I spoke to him. I have never seen a bad side."

Port Lincoln mayor Bruce Green told the Daily Mail the town was "shocked and very sad".

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

- nzherald.co.nz