In a prank phone call turned tragic, a nurse working a reception desk, at the hospital where a pregnant Kate Middleton was being treated, died Friday morning. Suicide is suspected in her death.
Now, the nurse’s name has been released, the radio DJs who made the prank call have been taken off the air, and Royal Family issued a statement.
Jacintha Saldanha, who was married with two children, worked at King Edward VII Hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was held for acute morning sickness. The morning of Tuesday, Dec. 4 Saldanha manned the hospital’s phones.
Two Australian DJs phoned in, impersonating the Queen of England and Prince Charles. Saldanha put the pair through to a nurse who was caring for Middleton. The entire ordeal was broadcast live, on-air and became a viral sensation online.
Southern Cross Austero owns 2DAY FM, the radio station employing the DJs. The company issued a statement: "SCA and 2DAY FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward VII's Hospital. 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."
A St. James’s Palace Spokesman spoke on behalf of the royal family in expressing their condolences.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha," a statement read. "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 statement went on, “We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her through this difficult time. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and friends."
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