LONDON — An employee at the hospital which was duped by a prank call from two Australian radio DJs concerning Prince William’s pregnant wife Catherine has taken her life, the hospital confirmed Friday.
According to Yahoo News, Jacintha Saldanha, who has worked at the hospital for four years, was found dead at an address near the hospital.
Michael Christian and Mel Greig, DJs on the 2DayFM radio station, impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles in the prank call, in which the nurse gave details of the Duchess of Cambridge’s condition and care.
They broadcast their call to the hospital on Wednesday morning and then bragged about it on social media.
Miss Saldanha answered their prank call and put them through to the ward where the Duchess was being cared for, while another nurse there updated them on her condition.
Greig, who was impersonating the Queen, asked to speak to her “granddaughter, Catherine” and managed to persuade Miss Saldanha to put her through to the ward where Kate was being treated.
Click here to hear a portion of the prank call.
“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,” a statement from the hospital said.
The prank call was an embarrassment for the hospital, which the Royal Family has chosen for their medical needs
With the news of the nurse’s suicide on Friday, people started calling for Greig and Christian to resign. Both have now shut down their twitter accounts.
The nurse at the centre of the royal radio prank has committed suicide. How shockingly sad. I hope you're ashamed @MContheradio
— Craig Unsworth (@MrCraigUnsworth) December 7, 2012
Sometimes pranks can go too far. A moment of fun at someone's expense could shatter a family. http://t.co/1GsSNa3F
— Nat Ho (@iamnatho) December 7, 2012
https://twitter.com/MrsCupidStunt/status/277093174688751616
