A nurse at the London hospital who took a hoax call from two 2Day FM radio presenters about the Duchess of Cambridge has been found dead.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said in a statement they were “deeply saddened” by the death of the nurse, Jacintha Saldanha.
A statement from 2DayFM has been issued saying the presenters will not be returning to air until further notice:
“Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM 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.
“Chief Executive Officer Rhys Holleran has spoken with the presenters, they are both 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”
Jacintha was the first person heard during the prank call, who was initially thought to be a receptionist at the hospital.
The radio station’s Facebook page is getting hit with messages from people disgusted with the actions of the two Hot 30 presenters and Twitter is trending with such phrases such as DJs and Prank Call, whilst users are sending messages to the station’s @2DayFMSydney account
Reports say the radio station was still playing out and promoting the prank call after news of the nurses death was announced – presumably because the station was automated overnight.
The woman’s unconscious body was found at an address not far from King Edward VII Hospital, where she worked.
On arrival, paramedics were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The hospital have issued a statement, in which they said: “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.”
John Lofthouse, Chief Executive at the hospital, says: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague.”
Lord Glenarthur, Chairman of the hospital, says: “This is a tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.”
The DJs, Mel Greig and MC posed as the Queen and Prince Charles in a call early on Tuesday morning.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has said it had received complaints about the call on the station which has previously been in trouble for incidents including one when a 14-year-old girl revealed on air that she had been raped.
Posted on Sunday, December 9th, 2012 at 2:22 pm by RadioToday UK