Aussie Radio to Give $525K to Dead Nurse's Family

Saldanha's family seeks full investigation into her death
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 11, 2012 10:49 AM CST
Aussie Radio to Give $525K to Dead Nurse's Family
Jacintha Saldanha of King Edward VII hospital, who was found dead in central London on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.   (AP Photo/Saldanha Family)

The Australian radio station behind one of the most infamous prank calls ever is donating its advertising revenue for the rest of the year to the family of Jacintha Saldanha, the British nurse who apparently killed herself in wake of the call she put through to Kate Middleton's hospital ward. Southern Cross Austereo will fork over a minimum of $525,000 to a memorial fund, reports Reuters; it had suspended all advertising in the wake of Saldanha's death, but will resume Thursday. Legal experts, meanwhile, tell the AP that 2Day FM could face charges for airing a private conversation. "Seems to me that saying, 'We tried to call,' shows that they knew they should, and they've made a decision to go ahead knowing that they have not got permission," says a law professor.

Saldanha is reported to have left a suicide note, adds Radar, though its contents aren't yet known. Her brother earlier told media that she was "a proper and righteous person" who "would have would have felt much shame about the incident." An autopsy is being performed today, and an MP says that the family is demanding an investigation. "There are unexplained circumstances," he said. "The hospital needs to be more proactive, a full inquiry is needed, and the family need to be included in that.” Back in royal-baby land, it seems Middleton has fallen ill again: She canceled an appearance at tomorrow night's premiere of The Hobbit to "rest privately," reports Us. Prince William will attend as planned. (More Kate Middleton stories.)

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