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Updated at 1:43 p.m. ET: A nurse duped by a prank call made to the hospital where Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was treated for an extreme form of morning sickness was found dead Friday morning, the hospital said in a statement.
Two Australian DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian of Sydney station 2Day FM, called the hospital earlier this
week and pretended to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles asking to be put through to the ward. They
were then given an update on Kate’s health by a nurse.
It wasn't clear what role the nurse found dead Friday played in the incident. The woman’s body was found at an address in Weymouth Street, London, which is around the corner from King Edward VII Hospital on Beaumont Street. Police described the circumstance of her death as "unexplained."
“It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff,
Jacintha Saldanha,” said the statement, which was released by the hospital's public relations firm.
“Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII's Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues,” it said.
“We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had
been supporting her throughout this difficult time,” it added.
Many took to the radio station’s Facebook page, posting strong-worded comments criticizing the DJs’
behavior.
“Wherever you sit, just beg forgiveness,” a commenter named Mel Lacey posted.
“They should be sacked for the awful way they are handling the results of this prank,” William Stead, another user, wrote on the
page.
Media company Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM released a statement saying they "are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward VII's Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to
her family and all that have been affected by this situation around the world."
The statement went on to say that CEO Rhys Holleran had spoken with the two DJs, who are "deeply shocked and at this time we have agreed that they not comment about the circumstances. SCA and the hosts have decided that they will not return to their radio show until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy."
Duke, Duchess 'deeply saddened'
A spokesman for St. James's Palace said that William, the Duke of Cambridge, and Kate were “deeply saddened” by Saldanha's death. “Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time,” the spokesman added.
John Lofthouse, chief executive at King Edward VII's Hospital, was quoted as saying in the statement that "our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends."
she committed suicide. no signs of foul play.
Can't people just stop giving a shit about the inbred "royal" family already?
inbred?Can't people just stop giving a shit about the inbred "royal" family already?
BTW, it was NOT the nurse who divulged confidential information about Kate's condition.
BTW, it was NOT the nurse who divulged confidential information about Kate's condition.
Can't people just stop giving a shit about the inbred "royal" family already?
Well, I hope those DJs feel like shit for the rest of their lives.
Well, I hope those DJs feel like shit for the rest of their lives.
The British are way to concerned with the Monarchy and are spreading their obsession to other countries.
Its time we close our borders to any news regarding this anachronistic bunch of welfare recipients.
Well, I hope those DJs feel like shit for the rest of their lives.
Actually, the two nations that care most about the Kings and Queens of Europe are USA and Germany.
Right, because they are the cause of the world's unnatural obsession with the royals and this woman's emotional weaknessWell, I hope those DJs feel like shit for the rest of their lives.
Can't people just stop giving a shit about the inbred "royal" family already?