Jacintha Saldanha

Bio:
Jacintha Saldanha , 46, of Bristol, England, was a nurse working at King Edward VII Hospital who allegedly committed suicide after being prank called by two DJs from an Australian Radio Station on December 4. Saldanha transferred the call, which she though was coming from the Queen and Prince Charles, to Kate Middleton’s private nurse as the Duchess was being treated for acute morning sickness in the hospital. Two days after the prank call was made, Jacintha’s body was found unconscious just yards from the hospital, and she was pronounced dead at approximately 9:35am London Time on December 7, 2012. Jacintha was a nurse but was filling in for a receptionist when she took the call. King Edward VII Hospital released the following statement on December 7: “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. 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.” John Lofthouse, Chief Executive at King Edward VII’s Hospital, added: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague.” Lord Glenarthur, Chairman of King Edward VII’s Hospital, also spoke out, saying, “This is a tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.” Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton released the following 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 VII Hospital and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

Best Known For:
Sadly, Jacintha is best know as the nurse who killed herself after receiving a prank call from radio DJs called the “Royal Prank.”

Personal Life:
Jacintha leaves behind a husband, Benedict “Ben” Barboza, and two children.