Nurse in Kate Hoax Dies: Receptionist Who Answered Prank Call at Kate Middleton's Hospital Dead in Suspected Suicide
A nurse at London's hospital King Edward VII who transferred a prank call to Kate Middleton's room was found dead in a suspected suicide.
The nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, who was working as a receptionist, was found dead at an address yards away from the hospital just before 9:30 am today, according to U.K's Daily Mail. She was reportedly a mother of two.
Paramedics arrived but were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An Australian radio station made a prank call to the hospital on Wednesday pretending to be the Queen asking to speak to Middleton. A receptionist believed to be Saldanha, answered the phone saying "Yes ma'm" and immediately transfered the call to Middleton's room where a nurse explained the condition of the Princess.
According to the Daily Mail, Middleton and Prince William issued a statement mourning the death of the nurse saying they are "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and their "thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."
The hospital also issued a statement:
"It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha.
"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."
The radio station issued an apology after it aired the prank.
"We were very surprised that our call was put through. We thought we'd be hung up on as soon as they heard our terrible accents. We're very sorry if we've caused any issues and we're glad to hear that Kate is doing well."
The radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian from 2Day FM, said it was the 'easiest prank call ever made' during the show. They faked a British accent which they admitted to be "terrible."
An audio of the Prank was posted on YouTube. Listen Below:
