In the wake of Jacintha Saldanha's shocking death, the 2Day FM presenters are taken off air 'until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy'.
- Dec 8, 2012
AceShowbiz - Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse working at the King Edward VII hospital where Kate Middleton was treated for acute morning sickness, was found dead on Friday, December 7. She was the nurse who transferred the hoax call made by two Australian 2Day FM presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, to the Duchess' ward.
In the wake of the tragedy, owners of the radio station issued a statement, "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."
A spokesperson for St. James' Palace also offered condolence, "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 rep insisted they never made complaint to the hospital about the call. "On the contrary," the representative explained, "we offered our full and heartfelt support to the nurses involved and hospital staff at all times."
In his statement, the hospital's exec John Lofthouse said, "Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues. We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her through this very difficult time."
Jacintha, 46, was found unconscious near the hospital where she was staying while working in Central London. She's survived by her partner Ben and her teen children who live in Bristol. "We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha," the grieving family said.
The radio DJs, Mel and Michael, have since deleted their Twitter accounts where they publicly crowed about the prank call just a few days ago. Meanwhile, 2Day FM's social media which are still active, have been bombarded with backlashes by online users.
Kate herself has been released from hospital since Thursday after staying for a few days under doctor's care.
