Radio station in Kate prank expresses condolences

Updated A tragic turn to the prank call about Kate Middleton’s condition that made headlines around the world.

The nurse who answered, and then transferred the call to a nurse taking care of the Duchess of Cambridge was found dead in her London home this morning – the victim of an apparent suicide.

King Edward the VII Hospital says Jacintha Saldanha was the nurse who apparently transferred the prank call from 2 Australian radio DJs – Mel Greig and Michael Christian – pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles. That call was then picked up by another nurse who revealed confidential details about the Duchesses medical condition.

was found dead early this morning at an address near the hospital. Police say Saldanha’s death is not suspicious – but they haven’t confirmed if it was a suicide.
She was a married mother of two who worked at the hospital for more than four years.

News on Monday that Kate was pregnant and in hospital with morning sickness made headlines around the world as did Tuesday’s prank call.

John Lofthouse, the hospital’s chief executive has now extended his deepest sympathies to Saldanha’s family and friends.

“The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time. Jacintha was a first class nurse, who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague.”

St James Palace released this statement:

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha.”

“Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward the 7th Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Greig and Christian apologized the day after for the prank call. They have been suspended by their radio station 2DayFM and instructed not to make any comment. But the station’s owner released this statement:

“Southern Cross Austereo are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward the VII’s Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and all that have been affected by this situation around the world.”

There has been a lot of angry reaction on social media calling for their resignation.
They’ve since deleted their Twitter accounts.

Video: Melissa Raftis reports: