2DayFM To Pay $525K To Nurse's Family

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 11, 2012 | 11:50am CT

Australian radio station 2DayFM will pay at least $525,000 to a memorial fund in the name Jacintha Saldanha (pictured), the nurse found dead after two DJs duped her into putting their prank radio show call through to the hospital room where Kate Middleton was being treated for extreme morning sickness.

Police still refer to Saldanha's death as "unexplained" but suicide is suspected and an autopsy is to be performed today. 2DayFM's parent company, Southern Cross Austereo, has now issued a statement that all profits made from advertising aired until the end of the year would be donated to "an appropriate fund that will directly benefit the family of Jacintha Saldanha."

The statement also added: "A minimum contribution of $525,000 will be made. SCA today reiterates its deep regret for what has taken place in these tragic and unforeseen circumstances and offers its condolences to the family of Jacintha Saldanha." Company chief executive Rhys Holleran was also quoted as saying the company was "very sorry for what has happened."

Meanwhile, King Edward VII Hospital in London has set up the Jacintha Saldanha Memorial Fund to benefit her surviving husband and two children. Hospital chairman, Lord Glenarthur welcomed the news regarding SCA's donation saying, "I am pleased to announce that many donations have already been made from around the world. I have today read that Southern Cross Media Group have pledged to make a minimum donation of $500,000 Australian Dollars to an appropriate fund. We would certainly welcome such a donation to the Jacintha Saldanha Memorial Fund."