A nurse working at reception desk of the private hospital which treated the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, answered a hoax call made by an Australian radio station, 2Day FM, who pretended to be the Queen of England, has been found dead in what British reports are saying is an apparent suicide.
Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse had worked King Edward VII hospital in London for four years. She was pronounced dead at an address near the hospital at 9.25am on Friday morning, according to the AFP.
The 2Day FM DJ's, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, have been taken off air until further notice. A statement from the station owners said: 'Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of the nurse, Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward V11 Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, and all that have been affected by this situation around the world.
"CEO Rhys Holleran has spoken with the presenters, they are both deeply shocked, and at this time we have agreed that they not comment about the circumstances," according to the statement.
The DJ's have been hit by a flurry of criticism on Facebook and Twitter with users say "they have blood on their hands" and should be "arrested or charged" for what they've done.
The hospital did not comment on media reports that she had committed suicide, while police said they were treating the death as unexplained. British media reports are saying the death was caused by a suicide.
John Lofthouse, hospital chief executive said: "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."
He said the hospital, which has been a favorite with royals for years, had lost "a first-class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us".
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said in a statement they were deeply saddened by her death.
In a statement King Edward VII's Hospital described Jacintha Saldanha as an "excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues".
It added: "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."
The prank call lasted approximately two minutes. Read the transcript of the call here.
