A preliminary inquest into the death of Jacintha Saldanha, who was found dead after a suspected suicide almost one week ago, has revealed that the nurse left three apparent suicide notes. According to multiple sources of The Guardian, one of the notes is understood to have criticised staff and her employers at The King Edward VII Hospital where she worked and where noted nemesis of Morrissey, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, was receiving treatment for acute morning sickness on account of her being with child.
A second note left by Saldanha is reported to address
the hoax call made by
2DayFM DJs
Mel Greig and
Michael Christian, who
spoke publicly about the incident for the first time earlier this week. A third allegedly details her requested funeral plans, which is expected to take place in Bristol. A mass will take place tomorrow at Westminster Cathedal.
Two of the notes left by Saldanha were found at the scene and the third was found in her belongings. It has also been revealed that Saldanha was found by a colleague and security staff hanging from a scarf in her apartment in the nurses quarters of the hospital. The Westminster coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox also revealed that there had been “injuries to her wrists”.
Saldanha’s husband and two teenage children have been given typed copies of the handwritten notes. Earlier this week the family met with chief executive of the hospital, John Lofthouse, to deliver a list of their own questions that they would like answered.
A full coronial inquest to examine Saldanha’s death will resume on March 26th, 2013. While coronial inquests examine sudden or unexplained deaths to determine a cause, they do not apportion blame. Scotland Yard officers will be reaching out to Australian investigators to aid in their investigation.
In related news, Sydney police are investigating death threats made against DJs Greig and Christian. The ABC are reporting that the two have been receiving the majority of thousands of death threats aimed at 2DayFM all week and that detectives recently received a highly-cited letter containing multiple death threats, namely “there are bullets out there with your [Christian’s] name on it”. Sky News are also reporting that key staff involved in the prank call and the DJs have been moved to safe houses and are being accompanied by bodyguards at all times.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has launched an official investigation into the hoax call to determine if there was a breach of broadcasting obligations. All advertising has also resumed on 2DayFM. The network has also pledged to donate $500,000 to Saldanha’s family.
Support and information is available for the distressed or those requiring assistance online at Lifeline, beyondblue, Reach Out Australia, Headspace and Sane or by calling Lifeline on 131 114, Mensline on 1300 789 978, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
