Europe

Kate Middleton's pranked nurse found dead

Nurse who took prank call at UK hospital treating Prince William's pregnant wife found dead in suspected suicide.
Last Modified: 07 Dec 2012 20:00

A nurse who took a prank call at the London hospital treating Prince William's pregnant wife Kate for morning sickness has been found dead, the hospital said, in a suspected suicide.

Police said the death was being treated as unexplained but they were not looking for anyone else, indicating the nurse had taken her own life.

The death comes days after the King Edward VII hospital apologised after falling for the call from an Australian radio station and relaying details about Kate's condition.

"It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha," the hospital said in a statement on Friday.

"We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her."

Police said they had been called at 9:35 am (0935 GMT) about a woman found unconscious at an address near the hospital.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

The announcement on Monday that Kate was pregnant with a future British king or queen sparked a media frenzy and generated worldwide interest.

William and Kate, who left the hospital on Thursday, said they were "deeply saddened" by the death.

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Source:
Agencies
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