Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse at the King Edward VII Hospital who was pranked by Australian DJs posing as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, apparently left a suicide note for her family after taking her own life.
The nurse was the receptionist on duty who transferred the hoax call from two DJs from 2Day FM in Sydney to another nurse in Kate Middleton’s ward, who in turn, revealed information about the duchess’ condition. It can be remembered that Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was hospitalized over a week ago due to acute morning sickness brought on by her pregnancy.
Ms. Saldanha, 46, suddenly found herself at the center of controversy, which became the apparent reason for her suicide on Friday. According to reports, the nurse was found ‘hanged’ at an address yards away from the hospital.
British newspaper Evening Standard reported that Ms. Saldanha left a letter to her husband and two children. Apparently, she did not tell them about her involvement in the controversy. The family is still in the process of trying to get answers regarding her death, and the note might give them the only definite answer as to why she took her own life.
The radio hosts, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, made an emotional apology on TV yesterday and said they are shattered and heartbroken over Ms. Saldanha’s death.
Southern Cross Austereo, the company which owns 2Day FM, has cancelled its staff’s Christmas party and has promised to give money from its advertising profits to a memorial fund which will be set up to benefit the nurse’s family.
Co-workers at the King Edward VII Hospital describe Jacintha Saldanha as an “excellent” and “well-respected nurse.