Nurse, Jacintha Saldanha Commits Suicide: Australian Radio Hosts Apologizes, Royals Are Sadden, Hospital's Support Questioned

The nurse who was hoaxed into transferring two Australian radio hosts pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles was found dead in an apparent suicide. Jacintha Saldanha, received the call and transferred it to the nurse taking care of the Duchess of Cambridge for severe morning sickness.

The chief executive of King Edward VII Hospital in London, John Lofthouse said, "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha," Lofthouse continued, "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." 

According to The Times of London, the hospital did not fire Saldanha, "The hospital had been supporting her through this very difficult time," the hospital statement said. "Jacintha was a first-class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. Everyone is shocked by the loss of the much-loved and valued colleague. Out thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and friends." 

The royal couple were also saddened by the news and a St. James's Palace spokesman released a statement saying, "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." 

The Australian radio hosts, Mel Greig and Michael Christian apologized for the hoax and expressed their prank "was done with lighthearted intentions."  In a statement released, they admitted, "We were very surprised that our call was put through. We thought we'd be hung up on as soon as they heard our terrible accents," they said in a joint statement with the station at the time. "We're very sorry if we've caused any issues and we're glad to hear that Kate is doing well."

Are the two radio host at fault for her suicide or is the hospital not being truthful about "supporting" the nurse for an honest mistake?