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"Patrons yelled to stop": Comedy Festival rocked by death on opening night

Melbourne’s comedy scene was rocked by tragedy on the opening night of this year’s International Comedy Festival, as an attendee suffered a fatal medical episode mid-show, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the event. The distressing incident occurred during comedian Michael Hing’s performance at the Palais Theatre, where a man on the upper level of the venue suffered a medical emergency. Attendees quickly responded, providing CPR in the dark while Hing remained unaware of the unfolding crisis. “[It] would have been at least 15 mins worth before the show stopping, and [it] only stopped as patrons yelled to stop performing,” one audience member told The Daily Mail. Another witness expressed dismay over the handling of the situation, stating, “I can’t believe they [the organisers] didn’t communicate with backstage to halt the show, and that it took the public to yell out to the comedian to stop for something to happen.” The Melbourne International Comedy Festival addressed the incident in a statement posted on Instagram, confirming the show’s cancellation. “Melbourne International Comedy Festival regrets to confirm that there was a medical emergency while the Opening Night Allstars Supershow was taking place this evening at the Palais Theatre,” a festival spokesman said. “The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders tomorrow.” Victoria Police later confirmed the man’s death. “Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in St Kilda on Wednesday, 26 March,” a spokesman said. “Emergency services were called to a theatre on Lower Esplanade about 9pm. A man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.” Health worker Andrea Bortoli, who was sitting in the upper level’s front row, described the distressing scene as people began leaving and it “became quite obvious that someone was getting CPR. It was just obviously really distressing, so we wanted to leave,” she told The Age. Eventually, the theatre lights were turned on, and patrons were informed that the show had been cancelled. The Allstars Gala is one of the most anticipated nights of the festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in comedy. This year’s event was hosted by Hing. As news of the tragedy spread, comedian Dave Hughes expressed his sympathies on social media, writing, “All performers thoughts are with the family affected”. Images: Palais Theatre / MichaelHing.com

Caring

Tragic cause of death of 6-year-old Airlie Montgomery revealed

The tragic cause of death of six-year-old Airlie Montgomery, who went missing on Sunday afternoon, has been revealed, with authorities believing she likely died from "misadventure" after a desperate search ended in heartbreak. Airlie, who was autistic and non-verbal, was found in the Shoalhaven River at the base of a nature reserve near The Grotto, a popular cliff-top hiking trail on the New South Wales south coast in North Nowra. She had wandered away from her family home earlier that afternoon, prompting an urgent search effort that concluded when her body was discovered just after 6pm. NSW Police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Airlie’s death, and it is being treated as an unfortunate accident. Her tragic loss has left the local community devastated, with Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White describing Nowra as a “town in mourning”. “Words cannot describe how horrible this is,” Mayor White told The Daily Telegraph. “It’s an absolute tragedy.” Neighbours and community members, many of whom participated in the frantic search for Airlie, are struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking outcome. Cathy, a neighbour of the grieving family and the last person to see Airlie alive, recalled her as a joyful child who often played near her parents’ home. “She was a lovely little thing, non-verbal, but a happy girl always smiling and blowing kisses when she saw you,” Cathy shared with Daily Mail Australia. “Except yesterday she was crying, no one knows why… and then I didn’t see her. She must have gone over the edge above The Grotto.” Airlie’s father, Corey Montgomery, visited North Nowra Public School on Monday to collect his daughter’s belongings, leaving with a bunch of pink flowers in her memory. Her mother, Katie Amess, was too distraught to speak, receiving support from neighbours in the wake of the tragedy. The NSW Department of Education expressed its condolences in a statement, saying it was “deeply saddened” by Airlie’s death. “Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected,” the statement read. “We are providing support to students and staff and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed.” Authorities have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances of Airlie’s death. As the community mourns, tributes continue to flow for the young girl whose life was tragically cut short. Images: NSW Police

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Major inquiry launched into Northern Beaches Hospital following child's death

A parliamentary inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital’s services will be launched following the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced on Friday that he has asked parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to investigate the safety and quality of care provided by the hospital. The inquiry will examine services dating back to the hospital’s opening in October 2018 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Joe Massa suffered a cardiac arrest at the hospital and died in September last year. His parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, claim Joe was incorrectly triaged and left waiting for hours, leading to brain damage. The grieving parents have urged the state government to review the hospital’s systems and protocols and take immediate action to upgrade its facilities. “We want change at that hospital so no other parent, no one of our family or friends, has to go through what we’ve gone through,” they said. The couple met with Minister Park, Premier Chris Minns, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce in February, when the parliamentary inquiry was discussed. On Friday, Park confirmed the inquiry would investigate accessibility issues that contributed to Joe’s death. “We made a commitment to Elouise and Danny to undertake the necessary reviews to understand how they and their son have been let down, as well as to learn what changes need to be made to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again,” Park stated. The inquiry will scrutinise past incidents at the hospital, including those subject to serious adverse event reviews (SAERs), assess the hospital’s responses, and determine whether necessary improvements were implemented. Additionally, it will examine patient and carer escalation systems, particularly the REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) protocol, which was found to be insufficiently accessible in Joe Massa’s case. The inquiry will also evaluate the hospital’s measures to prevent adverse events, as well as staff standards and capabilities. Park noted that a previous parliamentary inquiry in 2019 examined the hospital’s operations and management. The upcoming inquiry will specifically focus on patient safety and care quality while considering whether past recommendations have been acted upon. Public Accounts Committee chair Jason Yat-Sen Li expressed his commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation. “I understand the strong community interest in this matter, and I am confident the committee is well placed to undertake this important inquiry,” he said. “I am determined to get this inquiry underway as quickly as possible, but I also want to get it right. We will announce the opening of submissions as well as hearing dates in due course.” The NSW Health Services Union (HSU), which has raised concerns about the hospital’s operations since its opening in 2018, said the investigation is long overdue. “We have consistently seen evidence that Northern Beaches Hospital prioritises commercial interests over patient care,” said HSU secretary Gerard Hayes. “From renting out maternity wards to film crews while mothers struggle with understaffed services, to charging grieving families unnecessary fees to release their loved ones’ bodies – these practices reveal a disturbing pattern. “We hope this inquiry will finally address the systemic issues our members have been reporting for years and put patients before profits at Northern Beaches Hospital.”

Caring

Prince Robert of Luxembourg announces youngest son's death

Prince Robert of Luxembourg has announced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, Frederik, at the age of 22. Frederik is Prince Robert's youngest son with wife Princess Julie of Nassau. According to a statement shared on the <a href="https://polgfoundation.org/frederik/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POLG Foundation's</a> website, Frederik died on March 1 in Paris, France, from POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure. "It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik," the statement, written by Robert began. Frederik, was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, on March 18, 2002, with POLG Mitochondrial disease, but was only diagnosed at the age of 14. He and his father later co-founded the POLG Foundation, with Frederik serving as Creative Director while Robert served as Chair. "Last Friday, February 28th, on 'Rare Disease Day', our beloved son called us in to his room to speak to him for one last time," the statement continued. "Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn." That included his brother, 27-year-old Prince Alexandre, his sister, 29-year-old Princess Charlotte and her 27-year-old husband, Mansour Shakarchi. Frederik also said his final goodbyes to his father's sister, Princess Charlotte, her husband Marc Victor Cunningham, and their three children: Charly, Louis, and Donall. "He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years," Robert continued. "After gifting each of us with our farewells – some kind, some wise, some instructive – in true Frederik fashion, he left us collectively with a final long-standing family joke. "Even in his last moments, his humour, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh….to cheer us all up." Prior to his other goodbye messages, Robert said, Frederik asked him: "Papa, are you proud of me?" "He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound," Robert wrote. "The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times, but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on." "Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends," Robert continued, noting how his son "was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination." "When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him," he continued. "He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief. " "Frederik is particularly headstrong (at times, I might have used the word stubborn). This serves him well. I cite him as being here in the present because I know that, though physically absent, he is still here, inspiring us and pushing us forward. His mission is not complete, and we all have much work left to do." Robert then thanked their family for their "messages of support and love", before asking those reading the tribute to volunteer with or donate to the POLG Foundation in Frederik's memory. "With our Superhero's help we hope to turn our deep grief into positive results and therewith follow his unwavering example," he wrote. "His ultimate message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience! We are all so very proud of you, Frederik. I am so very proud of you! We love you!" Images: The POLG Foundation

Caring

Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed

The cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, has finally been confirmed, more than a week after they were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sad-new-details-emerge-in-gene-hackman-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovered in their Santa Fe home</a>. The couple was found deceased in their residence on February 26, prompting an investigation by authorities. Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, disclosed at a press conference that Hackman succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died around seven days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease contracted through exposure to rodents and their excrement. Authorities found evidence of rodent intrusion in the couple’s home, believed to be the source of Arakawa’s infection. Based on her movements and email communications, Dr Jarrell determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman was likely at home with his deceased wife for seven days before his own death. Dr Jarrell noted that Hackman was in "very poor health", and it was unclear how he managed in his final days without his wife's assistance. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, Jarrell suggested that it was possible he was unaware that his wife had passed away. “There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had no evidence of dehydration,” she stated. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and often fatal respiratory disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses to serious lung and heart complications. The best prevention is avoiding contact with rodents and properly managing rodent-prone areas. Dr Jarrell’s findings confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease, with evidence of multiple prior heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure. A full-body post-mortem examination showed no signs of trauma. He tested negative for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as hantavirus and carbon monoxide poisoning. Similarly, Arakawa’s autopsy revealed no external or internal trauma. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus, ruling it as the cause of her death. Other tests for respiratory viruses and toxins returned negative results. Dr Jarrell said that there were “no other significant natural disease findings” in either case, and that all medications found in the home were taken as prescribed and did not contribute to their deaths. The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks the end of an era for Hollywood, with fans mourning the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor. Hackman, known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven and The Royal Tenenbaums, retired from acting in 2004. The couple had been residing in Santa Fe for many years, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye. Image: Instagram

Caring

Experts debunk dominant theory in Hackman deaths

It's been a week since acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy were both <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sad-new-details-emerge-in-gene-hackman-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> in their Santa Fe home. Gene, 95, was found dead in the home's mudroom, with his cane nearby, while his 65-year-old wife was found in the bathroom, near an open bottle of prescription pills. Preliminary autopsies have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death, and Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the actor had likely died about nine days before the bodies were discovered. While there's been speculation that the death could have been a "companion suicide", experts have casted their doubts on this theory. James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner with the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, told <a href="https://people.com/gene-hackman-wife-betsy-suicide-less-likely-says-expert-exclusive-11690593" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People </a>that it is unlikely the couple decided to end their lives together, as their bodies were found in different locations. While he is not working on the case, he offered his expert opinion, saying: “I’ve seen cases like that — usually they’re together in bed,” “The fact that they’re in two separate locations tells me that I think that’s less likely.” One of the couple's three dogs was also found dead inside the home, adding to the mystery. “From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed — he’s got a history of heart disease. He’s got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual,” Gill told People. He also ruled out the theory that he had died after Betty because she was not around to take care of him. “Sometimes we’ll see instances where someone is bedridden and maybe they have dementia and then their caregiver dies from a natural event, and then there’s no one there to take care of them, and then they can die from dehydration or what have you. I don’t think that’s the case in this,” he said. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden believes that the couple's death could be the result of a tragic accident, suggesting that Hackman's pacemaker could provide clues as to what happened. “That event would have been a cardiac arrest caused by an abnormal pulse rate,” he said. “The pacemaker keeps track of the pulse, and when it gets down too low, it discharges. And that’s all in the record.” “So the autopsy showed he didn’t have any injury,” Baden continued. “There was no carbon monoxide. And he had — the most common cause of death in this country — severe heart disease, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure perhaps, from what’s been released. So that would cause him, having cardiac arrest in the mudroom, to collapse right there.” Dr. Baden suggested that Hackman's wife Betsy could have died while trying to help him. “She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn’t show up on the outside or bleeding in the inside of the brain,” he said. “Or that she may also, at 65, had severe heart disease and excitement can cause a trigger to the cardiac rhythm causing death under those circumstances. I think the first, that striking her head would be more common.” A criminal investigation was launched this week after New Mexico authorities deemed the circumstances around the couple’s deaths “suspicious.” Image: Dave Lewis/ Shutterstock Editorial <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org

Caring

Sad new details emerge in Gene Hackman case

Authorities in New Mexico have shared a grim new update on the shocking deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife. New information has suggested that the Hollywood actor, 95, and his wife, 63, had passed away in their home nine days before their bodies were found. The bodies of the deceased couple, who were married for 24 years, were found by a maintenance worker who spotted their bodies through a window. Authorities are yet to determine a cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa but have repeatedly ruled out foul play. In an investigation update on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said a pathologist had advised that tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative. Mendoza also said the pathologist was given an insight into Hackman's last moments due to the activity in his pacemaker. "An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman's pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17th, 2025," he told reporters. "It is a good assumption that was his last day of life." However it remains unclear whether Hackman, who was found in the kitchen of the home, or Arakawa, who was located in a bathroom, died first. One of the couple's dogs was also located deceased in the bathroom, while two other dogs were found alive at the property. Alongside Arakawa's body, police found an orange prescription pill bottle in the bathroom and pills scattered across the floor. While a toxicology report has been requested on the pills, as well as other medications found inside the house, the report could take months to be completed. The discovery of the pills was described as "something of concern", with Mendoza telling NBC News: "That's obviously very important evidence at the scene". Hackman appeared in more than 80 films throughout his career, as well as on television and the stage after his breakout role as the brother of bank robber Clyde Barrow in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, earning him his first Oscar nomination. He won an Oscar for best actor in 1972 for his portrayal of detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection, and in 1993 won an Oscar for best supporting actor for Unforgiven. Image credits: MediaPunch/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Faithful dog's heartbreaking act after owner's death

Heartbreaking images have captured the moment a faithful dog refusing to leave its owner's side after he drowned on a beach in Brazil. The unidentified 40-year-old victim's body was found by residents around 8am on Saturday in Balneário Camboriú. The man was homeless and known for collecting recyclables in the area. Photos from the police investigation showed the pup lying next to his owner's body on the beach, despite it being covered. The footage went viral and captured the hearts of Allan Tatsch and his wife Lauriane Garghetti, who decided to adopt the pup and named him Scooby. "Welcoming Scooby with open arms," Tatsch wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the couple and the pup. "He is just a survivor in this world, being faithful to his guardian until his last moments." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by O Município (@omunicipiobrusque)</a> </div> </blockquote> The couple already had two dogs of their own at home, and live in Brusque, just 45 km away from Balneário Camboriú. In an interview with local news outlet, G1 the couple revealed that Scooby had settled into his new home without any issues. "He already seemed to know the place. He was very well received by the other two dogs I have, who are also from shelters that we adopted," Tatsch said. "And he didn't want to leave my wife and I at any time," he added. "He stayed inside the house, snuggled on the couch and spent the night." The couple even set up an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skoobofiel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> account for Scooby, sharing updates including Scooby learning new tricks, getting pets and exploring his new neighbourhood. "They are the ones who teach us so much about humanity… more than humans themselves," Garghetti captioned one of the videos. Image: Instagram

Family & Pets

Grieving parents blame hospital over two-year-old's death

Two grieving parents are calling for an independent investigation into a Sydney hospital after the death of their two-year-old son. Elouise and Danny Massa took their son Joe to the emergency department at Northern Beaches Hospital on the morning of September 14th after he had spent the night vomiting. The toddler had hypovolemia, a condition that occurs when the body loses too much fluid, and later tragically died. Joe's parents claim the hospital failed their son "at every level" and he would still be alive if he had received the proper care. In a statement provided to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/grieving-parents-demand-urgent-investigation-into-sydney-hospital-after-death-of-twoyearold-son/a0de6011-adf3-49d2-8206-73ed21331c30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>, the parents said Joe's heart rate was at 183 beats per minute when they arrived at the emergency department, yet he was misclassified as a low priority, category three patient, instead of red zone, category two. The parents went on to allege that the Northern Beaches hospital missed critical warning signs, including when Joe lost consciousness, and his mother's requests for an IV drip were denied. "I can't tell you what it's like to hold your son in your arms … to be told to sit in your chair while your child is agitated, going in and out of consciousness, lips are turning blue," Mrs Massa told 2GB on Thursday morning. "To be told to wait and have your baby literally dying in your arms is unfathomable and should not be happening at any hospital." For almost three hours, Joe was not hooked up to monitoring equipment while sitting in an emergency department chair. A serious adverse event review conducted by the hospital after Joe's death identified multiple failures, with the report claiming there was a "delay and failure to recognise deterioration" in Joe's condition. Healthscope, which operates the hospital, said in a statement: "Northern Beaches Hospital offers its deepest condolences to the Massa family for the loss of their son, Joe. We recognise Joe's death has caused unimaginable heartache and grief for the family." "We have met with the family to apologise and hear directly about their tragic experience and to discuss the findings of the Serious Adverse Event Review." "We will continue to support the family in any way that we can as we implement the improvements identified in the review, including improvements around triaging processes and internal escalation processes." <div>Joe's mother said no parents should have to go through the pain their family has endured since Joe's untimely death. "Joe was the most beautiful boy, loved by his sister and brother," she said. "He loved dinosaurs. He had the most infectious smile. He was just two months off turning two years old. He was, and is still, the light of our world. The system at Northern Beaches Hospital, the emergency department, entirely failed us at every possible level." Image credits: 9News </div>

Legal

"Profound sadness": Bali bombing hero dies at age 67

Bali bombings survivor and hero Erik de Haart has died at the age of 67. The Sydney man was in Bali in 2002 with his Coogee Dolphins rugby league team when terrorists detonated bombs in two busy bars, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians. Mr De Haart was dubbed a hero after he was credited with pulling people out of the wreckage. He died aged 67 died of a suspected heart attack on Sunday. De Haart was a lifelong member of the Coogee Dolphins, with club president Wayne Hack issuing a statement after his tragic passing. “It is with profound sadness that we advise of the sudden passing of Coogee Dolphins life member Erik de Haart,” he said. “Erik was a loyal servant, life member and sponsor of our club." “He will forever be remembered in the immediate aftermath of the Bali tragedy of 2002 as a hero. Erik continued his ongoing support of the Coogee Dolphins for many years and in 2005 was honoured with a life membership." “The Coogee Dolphins would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Erik’s immediate and extended family and his many friends.” During the devastating 2002 attack in Bali, de Haart lost six of his friends but still helped save others by pulling them from the burning rubble. "I heard these girls crying for help, screaming. They were behind a section of the roof that had fallen in," de Haart told AAP in 2016. "The flames from the burning thatch were probably knee to mid-thigh high. I had to make a decision. Do I try and get them out and perhaps die in the attempt?" "I had to walk away and leave those girls to die and it's something that's haunted me for a long, long time ... It's made me feel like an impostor." "People say 'you're a hero'. And I remember those girls and I don't think I'm a hero." Image credits: SBS / Insight

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Beloved radio star dies one week after retiring

Melbourne radio host Philip Brady OAM has died at the age of 85, just one week after he announced he was retiring from radio after nearly 67 years. The 3AW star was diagnosed with cancer on December 5, sharing his diagnosis with close friends and keeping it private from the public. On Tuesday morning, 3AW host Tom Elliott announced Brady's passing and revealed he had been informed of his cancer diagnosis late last year. “Very early this morning, Philip Brady died." “He said he was riddled with cancer and didn’t expect to last too long, so for me, this isn’t a surprise,” he said. “But it is very sad because I don’t think we’ll see the likes of Philip Brady again.” Brady's career 3AW began in the 1970s where he was the weekend music man and in 1990 he began hosting Remember When with Bruce Mansfield. He hosted his final episode of the Remember When radio show on 3AW on January 12, before announcing his retirement from the network on February 2. 3AW station manager Stephen Beers has paid tribute to Brady, saying that he was a “great friend to many, truly loving his work on air and helping so many listeners and colleagues with advice, companionship and friendship”. “Phil will be greatly missed by all at 3AW,” he added. Image: 3AW

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Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, best known for directing Dune, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and the unforgettable Twin Peaks series passed away on January 16 at the age of 78. Now, his cause of death has been officially confirmed. According to TMZ, which obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the legendary director died from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributing factor. Lynch’s family shared the news of his passing on social media last month: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s statement on Facebook read. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.’” In the days leading up to his death, Lynch had been affected by the deadly wildfires near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, his longtime producer, Sabrina Sutherland, confirmed that he had safely evacuated his home at the time. Lynch had been battling health issues for years, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. In a November 2024 interview with People, the filmmaker admitted that he relied on supplemental oxygen for daily activities. He also reflected on his decades-long smoking habit, which began at the age of eight and ended in 2022. “What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch said at the time. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.” His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars, including actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked with Lynch on Dune, Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks. “Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram. “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.” Naomi Watts, who starred in Mulholland Drive, also paid tribute, sharing her heartbreak over Lynch’s passing: “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” she wrote on Instagram. She praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.” While Lynch will be dearly missed, his legacy as an innovative and visionary filmmaker will continue to influence the world of cinema for years to come. Images: Instagram

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Coroner makes bombshell ruling over Jock Zonfrillo's death

A 16-month investigation into Jock Zonfrillo's death has come to an end, with the coroner making a shocking decision about the celebrity chef's cause of death. The coroner has decided not to publicly reveal the MasterChef judge's cause of death, which will now likely remain secret unless his family wish to disclose the information. Zonfrillo's body was found in a hotel room in Melbourne at about 2am on May 1st 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old. There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles. A spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14357311/jock-zonfrillo-masterchef-coronial-investigation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> the investigation into Zonfrillo's death was completed on August 27th last year. "At the close of the investigation, the coroner determined that the finding would not be published," the spokeswoman said. In the days following Zonfrillo's death, Daily Mail Australia revealed that it was Jock's wife Lauren who made the frantic phone call to police which led them to find her husband's body. She was travelling abroad and had reportedly became concerned about her husband's welfare when Zonfrillo failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls. At the time, a senior Victoria Police source said that officers who attended the hotel found Zonfrillo unresponsive in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual. There was no drug paraphernalia located and no one else in his room, with police at the scene forming the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes. Image credits: Getty Images

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AFL legend dies at age 43

AFL West Coast premiership winner Adam Hunter has died at the age of 43. The athlete was found unresponsive just after midnight in Bunbury, south of Perth, and could not be revived. Hunter was coach of the South Bunbury reserves team and had attended training on Tuesday night prior to his death, before he returned home complaining of chest pains and an ambulance was called to the house he shares with his mother. WA Police issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, “About 12:20am this morning, 5 February 2025, police and St John Ambulance were called to a residence in Withers upon report of a non-responsive male." “Upon arrival paramedics immediately commenced first aid, however; the man could not be revived. The 43-year-old man was declared deceased at the scene." “The death is being considered non-suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.” Hunter played 151 games for the Eagles and the defender turned swingman solidified his place in history at the 2006 grand final. He kicked West Coast’s last goal of the game, his celebration becoming an iconic moment in club history as they sealed victory over the Sydney Swans after falling short in the same match-up in the 2005 decider. “We are devastated by the loss of 2006 premiership Eagle Adam Hunter,” West Coast said in a statement on Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with his family, teammates and friends.” Image credits: West Coast Eagles

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Mum dies on daughter's birthday after common party trick turned deadly

A mother has tragically died after inhaling helium from a balloon while setting up for hr daughter's first birthday party. Faith Waterman Batistich, from Te Puke in New Zealand, died in a matter of seconds after inhaling helium while setting up for the party with her family in 2022. Professor Timothy Schmidt, Head of the School of Chemistry at UNSW, told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/warning-after-mum-dies-at-daughters-birthday-from-common-party-trick-gone-instantly-051159229.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News Australia</a> that any gas mixture that does not contain oxygen can be fatal if inhaled, and issued a strong warning about partaking in the party trick. "Helium is dangerous to inhale because it replaces the oxygen rich air in our lungs and rapidly leads to loss of oxygen from the body. This condition is known as hypoxia and can be fatal," he said. "Breathing pure nitrogen would be just as dangerous." Faith's family and friends were all laughing and taking turns inhaling the helium from the balloons, when one person suggested they breathe it in directly from the canister, Faith’s twin sister Eden Waterman told the New Zealand Herald. As the 20-year-old went to inhale, someone else turned up the flow on the canister. "It went too fast and kind of shot her in the back of the neck. Her last words were literally, 'Oh s***' and she dropped," Eden recalled. "I was just, like, in shock. I kind of just froze and it was like, 'what the f***, what am I seeing? Like, is this for real?' I thought she was putting it on at the start." She added that Faith "went blue" and was "gone instantly". Despite the efforts of the family and paramedics, Faith was unable to be revived. Professor Schmidt said helium is not considered a dangerous chemical, but it is likely most people are unaware of the risks when inhaling it. "It is used in diving tanks and in medicine. Helium is what we call a noble gas (or inert gas). It does not form chemical compounds or react chemically with the body," he said. "I had never heard of anyone dying from helium inhalation until now, so I would say that the dangers are definitely not well-known. I have done it… and never considered that I might replace all the O2 in my body with helium." Image credits: Facebook

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Kyle and Jackie O's $200 million contract death clause revealed

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson have revealed the grim death clause in their individual contracts. In November 2023, the longtime KIISFM hosts signed a monster $200 million deal with Australian Radio Network (ARN) that will see them remain on airwaves until 2034, each pocketing a minimum of $10 million per year. However, added to the whopping sum come a series of unique clauses. Speaking candidly on Thursday morning's show, Kyle and Jackie O opened up about what would happen to the show if one of them were to die, and they each had different stipulations. “They [lawyers] did ring me when they were doing this new deal and said ‘Jackie wants this [death] clause’,” Sandilands said. “I said, ‘I’ve had this for years.’” As part of Henderson’s contract, the host specified she’d want the option to leave the show if Sandilands passed away. “I don’t know if I would want to do it with someone else,” Henderson told her co-host. “Aw, bless you,” Sandilands said, before savagely responding, "We drop your name. I get your income.” “I’d just soldier on without you. I wouldn’t like it, [but] I wouldn’t want to let that great bit of content die on the vine. I’d rather be on-air crying.” Elsewhere, Sandilands said it was stated in his contract he would only fly via private jet or first class if he was required to work overseas, while admitting that many of their contract clauses are "beyond belief”. Image credits: KIISFM

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"Cheeky and playful": Five-year-old remembered after being killed by parking meter

Tributes have poured in for a five-year-old boy who was tragically crushed by a parking meter at a museum in Western Australia. Paramedics were called following reports the five-year-old, known as Sammy, had been critically injured by the disused parking meter outside the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, about 170km south of Perth, on January 15th. Sammy was airlifted to Perth Children’s Hospital where he later died from his injuries. In a statement, Sammy’s family thanked everyone for their support following the death of the young boy who “brought so much joy”. “We are so grateful for the support that we have received from family, friends and the general public,” the family said. “We would also like to acknowledge the support from the staff at the museum, first responders and the care given to Sammy at the BRH and PCH, which was so loving and respectful." “Sammy impacted everyone he met. He was wise beyond his years and brought so much joy with his cheeky, playful nature.” More than $21,000 has been raised by the community for the boy’s family as they come to terms with the tragedy. The GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with ongoing expenses “during this difficult time”. “This tragedy has deeply impacted those who know and love this family, as well as the hospital staff, colleagues, friends, and community members who have been involved,” the GoFundMe campaign said. “No family should have to face such heartbreak while also worrying about financial burdens. Let’s come together as a community and show this family they are not alone." A spokesman for WorkSafe WA previously told media the boy had been hit by a disused parking meter in a courtyard at the Bunbury Museum, not the parking area. City of Bunbury chief executive Alan Ferris told the ABC the city would work closely with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, as an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Image credits: Nine

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Aussie TV and theatre legend found dead at age 67

Australian TV and theatre legend Nicholas Eadie has died at the age of 67. Eadie, who was known for his work on multiple shows, including Cop Shop and Underbelly, died in Sydney on Wednesday, with his friend and fellow actor Will Conyers confirming the sad news in a social media post. “Vale, Nicholas Eadie, 1958 – 2025,” he wrote. “I send my deepest sympathy to all those that were touched by this very special artist and human being.” According to the Daily Mail, Eadie's body was found at his home, although no cause of death has been given. Many of Eadie’s industry colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to him following the news of his passing. Actor Rhys Muldoon, who worked with Eadie a “number of times” wrote that he was “shocked” at the news, describing him as “a great actor” and “one of life’s best scallywags”. Toby Schmitz, who appeared in Underbelly alongside Eadie, also paid tribute to him on X. “Bon voyage Nicholas Eadie. An actor thrumming with savvy truth, dangerous wit; a thrilling artist,” he posted. Theatre manager Les Solomon spoke of his devastation at the loss of the “magnificent” Eadie, describing him as “one of Australia’s finest actors”. Eadie’s career began shortly after his graduation from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney in 1980. He landed the role of Constable Sam Phillips on Channel Seven’s Cop Shop, and stayed on the series for two years. Across the following decades, he appeared in many well-known Australian film and television productions, including A Country Practice, Return to Snowy River, Halifax FP and Vietnam, which he starred in alongside Nicole Kidman. Eadie was also a successful theatre actor, starring in A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Taming of the Shrew, among many others. Image credits: IMBD / news.com.au

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Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has been found dead at the age of 39. The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home, with news of his sudden passing prompting tributes from his heartbroken co-stars. Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, wrote on Instagram, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.” The actor moved to the US from Spain when he was a child, and went on to pursue a career in acting and modelling. He starred on Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011, before also going on to enjoy roles in projects like 2013 movie Behind the Candelabra, CW show Jane the Virgin, and US soap The Bold and The Beautiful in 2017. “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day,” tweeted Journalist Michael Fairman. Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one posting, “So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten.” Image credits: NBC/AFF-USA/Shutterstock Editorial

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Beloved Australian soap star dies at age 85

Beloved Australian soap star Leila Hayes has died at the age of 85. The popular actress died peacefully at a hospital in Sydney’s Northern Beaches after facing long-term health challenges, according to the post on a Facebook page announcing her death. Best known for her role on Sons and Daughters, Hayes also went on to dabble in singing, hosting a radio show and writing throughout her stellar career. Hayes appeared in popular drama series including Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Prisoner, and Cop Shop. She is best remembered for her of role of Beryl Palmer in the soap opera Sons and Daughters, playing the part in close to 1,000 episodes over the course of the show’s five-year run beginning in 1982. Hayes also proved herself as a radio presenter, hosting New Day Australia with Leila Hayes on Radio 2UE, a successful midnight-to-dawn program. The accomplished performer established the Leila Hayes Drama Studio in Melbourne in 1979 and branched out to Sydney in 1987, where she nurtured up-and-coming talent. The Drama Studio confirmed the news of Leila's passing, with her daughter Melissa sharing her thanks for all the kind messages of support. "Thank you for your condolences, shared memories and support. It means the world to me and my family at this difficult time," Leila's daughter wrote. "Yesterday’s message was not easy to share, and done only out of the great respect she had for all those who have followed, worked with or studied with her over the years. I am sure she would feel incredibly humbled by the overwhelmingly loving support. Thank you." Image credits: 7News

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"Cheeky and playful": Five-year-old remembered after being killed by parking meter

Aussie TV and theatre legend found dead at age 67

Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Beloved Australian soap star dies at age 85

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