Search

Placeholder Content Image

Fifth death confirmed in Laos poisoning

<p>A young British lawyer has died in hospital after a suspected mass poisoning that has claimed the lives of four others. </p> <p>On Thursday, Melbourne teen Bianca Jones became the fourth person to die from suspected methanol poisoning following the deaths of two Danish women and an American who had all been holidaying in the in the party town of Vang Vieng. </p> <p>Lawyer Simone White, 28, was among a dozen other tourists taken to hospital after visiting the backpacker town, with Thai police confirming her death on Friday morning. </p> <p>In a statement to <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/british-lawyer-simone-white-in-hospital-after-apparent-mass-methanol-poisoning-in-laos-c-16833986" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em>, a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed a death in Laos, saying, “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”</p> <p>Her friend Bethany Clarke, who was with White on holiday, urged tourists in the region to “avoid all local spirits” after their group of six fell ill.</p> <p>“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it,” she wrote in a Laos backpacking Facebook group.</p> <p>“Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”</p> <p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Jones, 19, in federal parliament on Thursday after news of her death was shared, as her friend Holly Bowles continues to fight for her life in a Bangkok hospital.</p> <p>“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Queen Camilla "heartbroken" by death of rescue dog

<p>Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection, has had to make the tough decision of putting her beloved pet dog, Beth, down after she was diagnosed with an untreatable tumour. </p> <p>The news was revealed by Buckingham Palace in a message shared to social media, which read:  "A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen's much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire".</p> <p>The 77-year-old royal is said to be "heartbroken" by the loss over the weekend. </p> <p>Beth was rescued by Camilla in 2011, and because she was a rescue, the animal charity was never sure of Beth's age. </p> <p>The royal later adopted another Jack Russell, Bluebell, soon after getting Beth, when she became patron of  Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2017, taking over from the late Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Recalling the moment she found Bluebell, the Queen previously told <em>BBC Radio 5 Live</em>: "Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped.</p> <p>"We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again.</p> <p>"She's very sweet, but a tiny bit neurotic, shall we say.</p> <p>"The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you could have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you, wagging their tail."</p> <p>The two dogs were often by her side at public events and were even featured in an official portrait alongside Camilla. </p> <p>Pictures of her two pups were also embroidered onto the Queen's Coronation gown. </p> <p>Camilla once said of her dogs: "I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them".</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Hospice nurse shares what happens to the body after death

<p dir="ltr">A hospice nurse has revealed the reality of what happens to our bodies in the minutes, hours and days after we die. </p> <p dir="ltr">In her efforts to break down the taboo around conversations about death, Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse from the US, posts candid videos about death and dying to help us be more informed and prepared. </p> <p dir="ltr">In Julie’s latest video, she explains exactly what happens to the human body in the moments, hours and days after someone dies. </p> <p dir="ltr">Nurse Julie said that in the immediate moments after death, the body completely relaxes, beginning the first stage of decomposition, called hypostasis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All of the things in your body that are holding fluids in, relaxes. That's why death can be messy sometimes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She clarified that because of how relaxed the body becomes, those who have just died may urinate, have bowel movements or experience bodily fluids coming out of their nose, mouth, ears or eyes. </p> <p dir="ltr">Nurse Julie added, “I like to talk about it so people aren't surprised if that happens - very normal and to be expected sometimes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">This is also when the stage of decomposition called autolysis, or “the self-digestion” stage, occurs and enzymes begin to break down oxygen-deprived tissue, also causing the body temperature to drop. </p> <p dir="ltr">As the body settles in the hours after death, Nurse Julie said the blood will begin to pool downward toward the ground.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “If you let someone lie there for long enough - which we do sometimes; you don't have to hurry up and make sure your loved one leaves the house - if you turn them you will notice usually the back of their legs the whole backside of them will look purple or darker that's because all their blood is pulling down.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gravity is pulling it down. So they will eventually get a darker colour tone of skin on their backside.”</p> <p dir="ltr">One to two hours after death is also when rigor mortis - or the stiffening of a body’s muscles - sets in and continues for about the next 24 hours</p> <p dir="ltr">Nurse Julie said, “I have seen people become very stiff almost immediately - like a few minutes - after death and other people, their body takes longer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, about 12 hours after death, the body will feel cool to the touch. </p> <p dir="ltr">About a day to a day and a half after a person dies, rigor mortis subsides and the body will begin to loosen again, as Nurse Julie said the body's tissues relax and cause the stiffness to break down.</p> <p dir="ltr">By this time, the body is usually in the mortuary, which will prepare the body in whichever way the family has requested, whether it is for burial or cremation. </p> <p dir="ltr">She added, “In a world where people didn't have access to a mortuary or a healthcare system and they just died naturally, our bodies are built to, after death, decompose.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Instagram / YouTube</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

What does a good death look like when you’re really old and ready to go?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/naomi-richards-182120">Naomi Richards</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-glasgow-1269">University of Glasgow</a></em></p> <p><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/hawaii-legalizes-assisted-suicide_us_5ac6c6f5e4b0337ad1e621fb">Hawaii</a> recently joined the growing number of states and countries where doctor-assisted dying is legal. In these jurisdictions, help to die is rarely extended to those who don’t have a terminal illness. Yet, increasingly, very old people, without a terminal illness, who feel that they have lived too long, are arguing that they also have a right to such assistance.</p> <p>Media coverage of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/05/09/this-104-year-old-plans-to-die-tomorrow-and-hopes-to-change-views-on-assisted-suicide/?utm_term=.b00a9036f9bc">David Goodall</a>, the 104-year-old Australian scientist who travelled to Switzerland for assisted dying, demonstrates the level of public interest in ethical dilemmas at the <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k1891.full">extremities of life</a>. Goodall wanted to die because he no longer enjoyed life. Shortly before his death, he told reporters that he spends most of his day just sitting. “What’s the use of that?” he asked.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953615002889?via%3Dihub">Research</a> shows that life can be a constant struggle for the very old, with social connections hard to sustain and health increasingly fragile. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25982088">Studies</a> looking specifically at the motivation for assisted dying among the very old show that many feel a deep sense of loneliness, tiredness, an inability to express their individuality by taking part in activities that are important to them, and a hatred of dependency.</p> <p>Of the jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, some make suffering the determinant (Canada, for example). Others require a prognosis of six months (California, for example). Mainly, though, the focus is on people who have a terminal illness because it is seen as less of an ethical problem to hasten the death of someone who is already dying than someone who is simply tired of life.</p> <h2>Why give precedence to physical suffering?</h2> <p>Assisted dying for people with psychological or existential reasons for wanting to end their life is unlikely to be supported by doctors because it is not objectively verifiable and also potentially remediable. In the Netherlands, despite the legal power to offer assistance where there is no life-limiting illness, doctors are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25693947">seldom convinced</a> of the unbearable nature of non-physical suffering, and so will rarely administer a lethal dose in such cases.</p> <p>Although doctors may look to a physical diagnosis to give them confidence in their decision to hasten a patient’s death, physical symptoms are often not mentioned by the people they are assisting. Instead, the most common reason given by those who have received help to die is <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms1700606">loss of autonomy</a>. Other common reasons are to avoid burdening others and not being able to enjoy one’s life – the exact same reason given by Goodall. This suggests that requests from people with terminal illness, and from those who are just very old and ready to go, are not as different as both the law – and doctors’ interpretation of the law – claim them to be.</p> <h2>Sympathetic coverage</h2> <p>It seems that the general public does not draw a clear distinction either. Most of the media coverage of Goodall’s journey to Switzerland was sympathetic, to the dismay of <a href="http://www.carenotkilling.org.uk/press-releases/centenarians-assisted-suicide/">opponents</a> of assisted dying.</p> <p>Media reports about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/sep/02/mary-berry-great-british-bake-off-centenarian-assisted-dying">ageing celebrities</a> endorsing assisted dying in cases of both terminal illness and very old age, blur the distinction still further.</p> <p>One of the reasons for this categorical confusion is that, at root, this debate is about what a good death looks like, and this doesn’t rely on prognosis; it relies on <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01459740.2016.1255610">personality</a>. And, it’s worth remembering, the personalities of the very old are as diverse as those of the very young.</p> <p>Discussion of assisted suicide often focuses on concerns that some older people may be exposed to coercion by carers or family members. But older people also play another role in this debate. They make up the rank and file <a href="http://www.ep.liu.se/ej/ijal/2012/v7/i1/a01/ijal12v7i1a01.pdf">activists</a> of the global right-to-die movement. In this conflict of rights, protectionist impulses conflict with these older activists’ demands to die on their own terms and at a time of their own choosing.</p> <p>In light of the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/worlds-older-population-grows-dramatically">unprecedented ageing</a> of the world’s population and increasing longevity, it is important to think about what a good death looks like in deep old age. In an era when more jurisdictions are passing laws to permit doctor-assisted dying, the choreographed death of a 104-year-old, who died listening to Ode to Joy after enjoying a last fish supper, starts to look like a socially approved good death.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96589/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/naomi-richards-182120">Naomi Richards</a>, Lecturer in Social Science (End of Life Studies), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-glasgow-1269">University of Glasgow</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-a-good-death-look-like-when-youre-really-old-and-ready-to-go-96589">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

<p>Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. </p> <p>Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights.</p> <p>Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. </p> <p>Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. </p> <p>“They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement.</p> <p>An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway.</p> <p>Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. </p> <p>Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. </p> <p>“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said.</p> <p>“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. </p> <p>"Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said.</p> <p>Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog  in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police Force</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Patti Newton's moving tribute three years on from Bert's death

<p>It's been three years since entertainment legend Bert Newton passed away, and now his wife has delivered a touching tribute on the anniversary of his death. </p> <p>Patti Newton took to Instagram to share a montage of special moments she shared with her late husband during their time together. </p> <p>“I love you. I miss your smile and your kindness but most of all I miss you,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Three years gone but a wonderful life that will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>She shared a few photos of Bert celebrating birthdays, christmas and other milestones with his grandchildren, and fans took to the comments to share their own memories of Bert. </p> <p>“A beautiful life, a beautiful family. We all still remember and love Bert alongside you xxx,” one wrote.</p> <p>“Bert was, and always will be an icon in Australian entertainment Patti. He will live in the hearts of us who had the pleasure to be entertained by him for many years. Much love to you and the family today," another commented. </p> <p>“What an extraordinary life you both lived and loved.. now Bert is your guardian Angel still loving you from above xxx,” commented a third.</p> <p>“Patti we all miss him he was sunshine to me but nobody will ever miss him like you do…true love never dies, he is always with you,” wrote a fourth. </p> <p>“Thinking of you today Patti and I’m sending you big hugs 🤗 and love," another commented. </p> <p>Bert passed away on October 30, 2021 at the age of 83 after a long health battle. He was known for a variety of TV shows including <em>The Bert Newton Show, Tonight with Bert Newton, The Don Lane Show</em> and a few others. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Boy's tragic death in school crash sparks incredible community response

<p>The 11-year-old boy who tragically died after a car <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/child-dies-after-car-crashes-through-school-gate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crashed</a> through his school's gate has been identified, with a family friend sharing more details about the horrific accident. </p> <p>Jack Davey was sitting with friends when a car slammed through a fence and into a group of Year 5 students at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon.</p> <p>He was critically injured and died on the way to hospital, while four other children were also injured. </p> <p>School mum and friend of the family Lucy Pristel told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/incredible-response-after-boys-tragic-death-in-melbourne-school-crash-052951244.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> the shocking incident has "affected" the entire "close-knit" community.</p> <p>“I have no words, to be honest with you. They are the most beautiful family. They would do anything for anyone,” she said. </p> <p>Lucy's own 11-year-old son, who is also a student at the school and played basketball with Jack, witnessed the tragedy unfold before his eyes.</p> <p>"Unfortunately a lot of the kids saw what happened," she said. "It's affected everybody. The school has offered councillors to us all, so there's been a lot of support. We're a close-knit community." </p> <p>To help support the grieving family, Lucy, along with some of the other school mums, decided to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:GoFundMe;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">GoFundMe</a> to help "ease the burden" of funeral costs, adding, "We just wanted to make life as easy as possible." </p> <p>In a matter of hours, the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, and at the time of writing over $140,000 has bee donated by the community.</p> <p>Lucy recalled the moment she found out about the horror that unfolded at the school on Tuesday afternoon, saying she didn't realise the extent of what had happened at first. </p> <p>"I actually drove past the school after it happened and didn't think much of it," she admitted. "Then I started hearing about it."</p> <p>"I ran down to the school... you could see parents for at least 300, 400 metres and I saw everyone hugging. That's when I knew something happened at our school [and not one of the others close by]."</p> <p>Ever since then, "everyone has just bound together," she said sharing the "pure horror" felt by everyone.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Tragic new details emerge about baby's death in Bali

<p>Tragic new details have merged about the sudden death of a toddler, who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/profound-grief-baby-dies-during-family-holiday-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> while on a family holiday to Bali.</p> <p>According to Indonesian police, the 14-month-old boy drowned in a villa swimming pool at Villa Besar in Kerobokan, north of Kuta in Bali. </p> <p>Police spokesperson Avitus Panjaitan told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14017027/Tragic-new-details-emerge-cause-Australian-babys-death-Bali.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a></em> that the family did not report the death to police, and officers only found out details after interviewing resort staff.</p> <p>Staff reported that the family had returned to the villa from a water park in the evening shortly before the alarm was raised that a baby was drowning in the pool just minutes later. </p> <p>The staff recalled seeing a woman pull the baby from the water and desperately performing CPR to revive the child, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, the child was already deceased. </p> <p>In the wake of the tragedy, the child's father Brendan Sharp shared a gut wrenching update on Facebook, describing his son as a "one of a kind" child who filled every room with laughter and light.</p> <p>"He was always happy and cheerful, lighting up the room with whomever was there," he said.</p> <p>"His cheekiness and affection were like no other, and he was always dancing and having fun with a side of cheeky."</p> <p>"You were so special my boy - keep shining like the star you are and keep an eye on all of us down here," he said.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-grace-and-brendan-cope-with-the-loss-of-their-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by the family to help cover the funeral, and to allow parents Grace and Brendan time to grieve without financial pressure.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie mum jailed after faking her own death for major insurance payout

<p>A Perth woman who faked her own death to secure a $700,000 insurance payout has been sentenced to three years behind bars. </p> <p>Karen Salkilld, 43, an F45 gym franchise owner, claimed she died in a car accident in Broome in December 2023. </p> <p>The mother-of-two, also provided a falsified death certificate, a coroner report and funeral documents, when she made the claim in January.</p> <p>A month later, she received more than $718,000 from Insuranceline, which she accessed by posing as her former partner who was the beneficiary of the sum and opening a bank account in her name. </p> <p>The "relatively sophisticated" scheme was initially successful, until police became suspicious and froze her account after she moved large amounts of the money around, according to<em> Nine News</em>. </p> <p>Salkilld had to visit Palmyra Police Station in person to certify her fake documents, but after three visits, officers realised something was up and arrested her in March. </p> <p>There is no evidence that her former partner knew of the crime. </p> <p>The fitness instructor admitted that she got the idea from a movie after she fell into debt, although she didn't specify which one. </p> <p>"Your offending could not be described as opportunistic," Judge Vicki Stewart told Perth District Court said in sentencing the fitness instructor. </p> <p>"It was calculated and required both effort and persistence."</p> <p>"You were living beyond your means and over-committed yourself," Stewart added. </p> <p>Salkilld pleaded guilty to gaining benefit by fraud and knowingly using a false record to defraud, and was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday. </p> <p>She was ordered to pay a $101,771 compensation to the insurance company. A restitution order for funds in the bank account was also issued - one for $549,195 and another for $67,995 - with the latter being held in the bank's fraud recoveries account. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Nine News</em> outside court after the sentencing, Salkilld's estranged sister Ann said "it doesn't surprise me that she is capable of doing things like that."</p> <p>She will be eligible for parole in February 2026.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Major twist in probe into water polo coach's death

<p>A probe into the tragic death of a water polo coach at St Andrew's Cathedral School has revealed an astonishing twist in the investigation. </p> <p>Lilie James, 21, was found dead inside a gymnasium bathroom at the Sydney school on October 25th last year, as police issued a warrant for Paul Thijssen's arrest in connection to her death. </p> <p>A school staffer let police officers into the building at Town Hall Square, where Lilie's "unrecognisable" body was found, left with "serious head injuries".</p> <p>In the days after Lilie's death, police established a second crime scene at The Gap in Sydney's east where they recovered Thijssen's body. </p> <p>Now, as a probe into her death continues, insiders have revealed to Daily Mail Australia that St Andrews Cathedral School principal Dr Julie McGonigle has been told the school will not be considered an "interested party" at the coronial inquiry into the deaths. </p> <p>The exclusion comes despite teachers and students having intimate knowledge and involvement with Ms James and school hockey coach Thijssen prior to the murder, and school staff having assisted in the discovery of the horrific crime scene.</p> <p>School principal Dr McGonigle revealed in her latest Head of School Newsletter that "at this stage, the State Coroner does not consider St Andrew's Cathedral School to have sufficient interest in this matter to be considered an interested party, pursuant to the Coroners Act".</p> <p>The inquest into the deaths of Lilie Anne James and Paul Thomas Stephan Thijssen will be held over three days from March 18th next year.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Mother helps raise over $1 million for her children ahead of her death

<p>A single mother from America has left an enduring financial legacy to her two young children in the weeks before her untimely death. </p> <p>Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-erika-and-her-children-with-funeral-expenses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in order to cover costs of her own funeral, as well as providing funds to raise her two kids,  Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5.</p> <p>After setting the fundraising goal for $5,000 USD, generous members of her community spread the word of her selfless actions, with the fundraiser now reaching over $1.7 million USD and counting. </p> <p>Titled “Support Erika: A Mother planning her own funeral”, the page has garnered more than 38,000 individual donations.</p> <p>The page reads, “Dear family, friends and to all of those of you who may or may not know know me..."</p> <p>“My name is Erika Diarte-Carr. I am 30 years old and a single mother of two beautiful children. Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5). ❤️ They are my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going.”</p> <p>The mother then shared the tragic details of her cancer journey, as she recalled being diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer in May 2022 after presenting for “normal shoulder surgery”.</p> <p>“By that point, the damage had already been done. In that moment, mine and my kids’ entire lives had changed forever, as well as all of those around us,” she wrote.</p> <p>On top of her cancer diagnosis, Erika was hit with another blow in January 2024 as she was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome, which resulted in rapid weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, and further debilitating symptoms the mother claimed had “taken so much away” from her family.</p> <p>The page was updated in mid-September upon advice Ms Diarte-Carr had just three months to live and that treatments would “no longer help”.</p> <p>The mother added to the GoFundMe page how the excess funds would be allocated, writing, “For anyone’s concern, all the funds that have exceeded my funeral costs goal will be now put into a trust fund for my babies that way I can leave behind something for them and I can still ensure they are going to be ok as they grow up."</p> <p>On October 4th, the mother thanked donors and announced she and her family were able to take one final trip together hoping to leave her kids with “memories that’ll last a lifetime”.</p> <p>Just days later, Erika's cousin shared a post to social media to announce that Erika had passed away on October 12th.</p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart that this is the final update I will be giving for my cousin Erika,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“She fought a long and hard battle. She was strong and held on as long as she could for her babies. I know she was so thankful for all of your support and love and prayers.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Why Lisa Marie Presley kept son's body at home for two months after his death

<p>Lisa Marie Presley was so heartbroken by the loss of her only son, Benjamin Keough, at just 27-years-old in 2020, that she kept his body in her home for two months after his death. </p> <p>The star revealed this in her memoir <em>From Here to the Great Unknown</em>, which was finished by her daughter Riley Keough after the 54-year-old’s death in January 2023, according to <em>Page Six</em>. </p> <p>In the book, Lisa Marie opened up about the extent of her grief, saying that she had to force herself to "fight" to stay alive for her remaining children, and one of the ways she coped was not saying goodbye to Benjamin right away. </p> <p>“My house has a separate casitas bedroom and I kept Ben Ben in there for two months. There is no law in the state of California that you have to bury someone immediately,” Lisa Marie wrote. </p> <p>“I found a very empathetic funeral homeowner. I told her that having my dad in the house after he died was incredibly helpful because I could go and spend time with him and talk to him. She said, ‘We’ll bring Ben Ben to you.’”</p> <p>The room was kept at around 12 degrees celsius to preserve his body, and the star continued saying that she felt “fortunate that there was a way that I could still parent him, delay it a bit longer so that I could become okay with laying him to rest.”</p> <p>Another reason why she decided to keep his body was because she wasn't sure whether to bury him in Hawaii or at Graceland,  the Memphis estate where Elvis died and is buried.</p> <p>At one point, Riley and Lisa Marie decided to honour Benjamin by getting matching tattoos of his name, which was inscribed in the same place where Benjamin had his tattoos.</p> <p>Riley recalled the odd moment Lisa Marie brought in the tattoo artist into her home. </p> <p>“Lisa Marie Presley had just asked this poor man to look at the body of her dead son, which happened to be right next to us in the casitas. I’ve had an extremely absurd life, but this moment is in the top five," Riley wrote in the memoir. </p> <p>Lisa Marie acknowledged that it was odd, and soon after the tattoo day, they "got the vibe" that Benjamin wanted to be laid to rest. </p> <p>“Even my mum said that she could feel him talking to her, saying ‘This is insane, Mum, what are you doing? What the f**k!”</p> <p>The family held a funeral for Benjamin in Malibu, and he was buried at Graceland alongside Elvis, and now Lisa Marie as well. </p> <p><em>Image: Copetti/Photofab/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Police share major update on woman's lawnmower death

<p>The death of Frances Crawford is now being treated as suspicious, more than two months after she tragically <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-officially-declare-woman-s-lawnmower-death-suspicious" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a>. </p> <p>The 49-year-old was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property in Queensland shortly before 4am on July 30th, with paramedics initially reporting the incident as a "mower rollover".</p> <p>However, as the investigation into her death continues, police have now alleged that she was murdered.</p> <p>“Investigations are underway by the Crime and Intelligence Command Homicide Group and Gatton Criminal Investigation Branch into the circumstances that lead to her death,” Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said.</p> <p>Superintendent Marchesini said several lines of inquiry were being pursued by homicide detectives, while forensic testing and analysis of how Ms Crawford ended up in that location remain under investigation.</p> <p>One of the lines of inquiry being pursued involve the alleged relationship Frances' husband Robert had with “multiple women”.</p> <p>“We believe there were women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Mrs Crawford that will assist with this investigation,” Superintendent Marchesini said.</p> <p>“Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life.”</p> <p>nvestigators revealed Mr Crawford had connected with women in Italy, United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and every state in Australia bar South Australia and Tasmania.</p> <p>“We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” Superintendent Marchesini continued.</p> <p>According to police, Mr Crawford was at the property on the night his wife died and has been assisting police since her death, and has not been charged.</p> <p>Superintendent Marchesini said a number of people had provided information since the last public appeal.</p> <p>“The past few months have been extremely challenging for Frances’s family and her children, who are desperate for answers, and it’s time for those with information, no matter how small, to come forward,” Superintendent Marchesini said.</p> <p>Anyone with information that can assist with investigations and who had connections with the address or Mrs Frances Crawford or Mr Robert Crawford, as a couple or outside of the marriage, is encouraged to come forward and contact police.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Crawford Family / 7News</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

John Amos' daughter recalls how she learned of her father's death

<p>John Amos, actor known for his role as James Evans Sr. on <em>Good Times, </em>passed away on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes. </p> <p>It wasn't until Tuesday, October 1 that his death was confirmed by his publicist, Belinda Foster, and not long after his son Kelly Christopher Amos confirmed it in a statement to <a href="https://people.com/john-amos-dead-roots-and-coming-to-america-actor-was-84-7510157" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a>. </p> <p>"It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned," he said at the time. </p> <p>“He was a man with the kindest heart ... loved the world over. Many fans considered him their TV father.”</p> <p>“He lived a good life, and his legacy will endure through his remarkable work in television and film. My father loved acting, most recently appearing as himself in Suits LA and in our documentary America’s Dad, chronicling his journey as an actor.</p> <p>“He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time.”</p> <p>Now, his daughter Shannon Amos, has revealed that she only learned about his death when it was reported by the media on Tuesday. </p> <p>She paid tribute to her late father in a video shared to Instagram that showed them dancing to the song<em> Dance with My Father</em> by Luther Vandross.</p> <p>"I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st," Shannon wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.</p> <p>"This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free," she continued, before thanking everyone for their "outpouring of love". </p> <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/reel/DAmTuS4x6ug/?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/reel/DAmTuS4x6ug/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Shannon Amos | Health & Wellness | Retreats (@officialshannonamos)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>John Amos passed away at the age of 84. </p> <p>His children had disagreed on his care, which became public last year after she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPYytYRyBx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=19da7b24-9405-46b8-a697-309f9886c8c3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised concerns </a>that her father was "a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation". She even raised her concerns to law enforcement as John was hospitalised at the time. </p> <p>However, he released a statement via his publicist insisting that he was fine. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Twelve-year-old boy falls to his death on cruise

<p>A 12-year-old boy has fallen to his death onboard the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas, as guests watched on in horror. </p> <p>The cruise was nearing the end of its itinerary on Sunday and was heading back to Texas after its seven-day cruise around the Western Caribbean when the incident occurred. </p> <p>Witnesses recalled that the boy was playing with a group of friends he had made on the ship before he tumbled over a 13-storey balcony, falling into the internal Central Park area of the ship, a plaza filled with bars, pubs and restaurants.</p> <p>Royal Caribbean staff attempted to resuscitate the youngster, but he died before the ship docked in Texas.</p> <p>The cruise company shared a statement that a death had occurred onboard but refused to share any more information as investigations into the incident began.</p> <p>Witnesses took to a Facebook page for passengers to share their condolences to the boy's grieving family, and share their version of event. </p> <p>"My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today," posted passenger Sara Tullas. "She is so upset. I wish I would have known he was struggling today."</p> <p>The boy had taken part in the cruise's teen-club, and many passengers said their children had got to know the boy before his death.</p> <p>"The conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up," wrote Shannon Elizabeth on the Facebook page. "My son and him actually got really close on the cruise, and he saw too much of what happened."</p> <p>"My family and I saw the incident unfold right before us as we were looking down into Central Park from the pool deck," wrote Christa Schoolfield. "We did not see whether he jumped or was playing around."</p> <p>Another passenger wrote, "I looked over the railing after the emergency alert and wish I didn’t."</p> <p>"All I ask is to please hug your children tight and tell your family members you love them. Life can change in an instant. Today I was hiding ducks in Central Park and one second later a child's life was gone in front of me."</p> <p>Friends said the boy was on board with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

"Love lives on": Touching Irwin tributes on 18th anniversary of Steve's death

<p>Terri Irwin has paid a touching tribute to her late husband, Steve Irwin, on the 18th anniversary of his passing, stirring emotions among fans worldwide.</p> <p>In a poignant Instagram post, Terri, 59, shared a nostalgic photo of the couple, embraced warmly in front of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Accompanying the image was the simple yet profound caption, “Love lives on,” followed by a red heart emoji. The tribute evoked an outpouring of support and love from fans and followers, many of whom expressed the lasting impact the Irwin family has had on their lives.</p> <p>One fan wrote, “Thank you for sharing that love with us. I grew up to never settle for less,” while another reflected, “He was my idol growing up... It’s crazy to think it’s been 18 years since that tragic day. Long live the crocodile king.” Even singer-songwriter Amy Shark commented, “This is just beautiful.”</p> <p>This tribute follows Terri’s Father's Day post, where she shared touching side-by-side photos of Steve and their son Robert, both holding large native lizards. “Steve had so much love for Robert and Bindi. He was the best dad,” she wrote. “I know he would be proud of the way they have continued his message and mission for conservation.”</p> <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_iQJIzS6_Z/?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/C_iQJIzS6_Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Terri Irwin (@terriirwincrikey)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Steve Irwin, known globally as “The Crocodile Hunter", tragically died at age 44 on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary off the coast of Queensland. His death left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, but his legacy has been passionately carried on by his family.</p> <p>His daughter, Bindi, also shared a heartfelt tribute to her father, posting a throwback photo of Steve handling a crocodile. She reflected on the honour of continuing his work, writing, “Your legacy lives on in our family, our team, Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors, and The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Hope to make you proud.”</p> <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_gzUmuBQH2/?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/C_gzUmuBQH2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Irwin family’s commitment to wildlife conservation has only strengthened in the years since Steve’s passing. Australia Zoo, originally built by Steve’s father, Bob Irwin, in 1970, has flourished under their stewardship. The family continues Steve’s mission through their wildlife reality series, <em>Crikey! It’s the Irwins</em>, which debuted in 2018 and remains popular on Animal Planet.</p> <p>Fans around the world continue to honour Steve’s memory, with many sharing their admiration on social media. One fan wrote, “I am so thankful that a piece of Steve really did live on in you guys. Outstanding in your own right and amazing to see,” while another commented, “Amazing how Steve changed the way we viewed wildlife in Australia.”</p> <p>Steve Irwin’s influence on wildlife conservation, his pioneering television work, and his legacy of love and adventure live on, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. His family’s unwavering dedication ensures that his passion for nature and animals will never be forgotten.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

"He was at peace": Sam Landsberger’s parents break silence after sudden death

<p>The heartbroken family of Sam Landsberger have revealed what he was doing in his final moments before he tragically <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/prominent-sports-journo-killed-at-just-35" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 35. </p> <p>Landsberger, 35, was struck by a truck driven by a 45-year-old Seaford man at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond, Melbourne on Tuesday morning.</p> <p>According to Sam's father Jake, his son's final moments were spent on the phone to his mother Anne while he was walking to meet a friend.</p> <p>“Anne was on the phone with Sam when it happened, heard the hit, she heard the commotion, and we’ve been beside ourselves worrying whether she actually possibly distracted him,” Jake told <em>The Herald Sun</em> on Wednesday. </p> <p>‘The next thing there was commotion, a stranger picked up the phone, and said: ‘Who am I talking to’, so Anne said: ‘I’m Sam’s mother, who are you’."</p> <p>“And he said, ‘I’m sorry to say but your son has just been hit by a vehicle … he’s lying on the ground’. </p> <p>“The man conversed with Sam initially until he lost consciousness’.”</p> <p>Landsberger was rushed to hospital but later died from his extensive injuries. </p> <p>His father said the family received a message from the man who helped Landsberger on Wednesday, saying, “He messaged us and said, ‘I told Sam I was on the phone with his mother and he was at peace knowing that he was communicating with you through me’."</p> <p>Victoria Police have since confirmed the truck driver, 45, who stopped at the scene, underwent “standard” roadside alcohol and drug tests, which were both negative. </p> <p>“He was requested by Melbourne Highway Patrol officers to provide a blood sample as per standard procedure under the Road Safety Act being a driver involved in a serious collision,” a spokesman said.</p> <p>“The driver allegedly refused and was charged on summons with refusing to provide a blood sample.”</p> <p>The man was “immediately” given a notice banning him from driving, and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19th.</p> <p>Sam's father said that while his family are "angry" over what happened, they have been overwhelmed by the amount of love they have received since Sam's tragic passing. </p> <p>“I can’t put into words the comfort, the joy and the pride we are getting from that,” Jake said.</p> <p>“By the time we both took two sleeping pills to go to bed about 9pm on Tuesday, I personally had received in excess of 250 messages and Anne probably the same."</p> <p>“The tributes, watching AFL360, seeing The Tackle had been postponed, the stories all over the media … I said to Anne while we sat at our table bawling our eyes out, I wish I could go back to the morgue in the coroner’s court, just wake Sam up briefly and say, ‘Sam, look how much you were loved, look how much you were admired’."</p> <p>“Because he had no idea. He did not realise. The degree to what we’ve seen has blown us to smithereens.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Richard Simmons' cause of death revealed

<p>Richard Simmons' brother, Lenny, has revealed the fitness guru's cause of death was accidental. </p> <p>Lenny confirmed the 76-year-old's cause of death in a statement on Wednesday (Thursday AEST), and also thanked fans for the "outpouring of love" following his death.</p> <p>"This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office," family spokesperson Tom Estey said in a statement to <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"The coroner informed Lenny that Richard's death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor.</p> <p>"The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed.</p> <p>"The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss."</p> <p>Simmons, who rose to fame in the 80s as a TV fitness icon was found dead by his longtime housekeeper on July 13- a day after his 76th birthday. </p> <p>His brother previously paid tribute to the icon in an interview with <em>People </em>magazine. </p> <p>"I don't want people to be sad about my brother," he said just hours after the news of his brother's death. </p> <p>"I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people.</p> <p>"He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.</p> <p>"So don't be sad. Celebrate his life."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Five people arrested over Matthew Perry's death

<p>Five people have been arrested in connection with the death of <em>Friends</em> actor Matthew Perry, who died of a drug overdose in October 2023. </p> <p>Matthew Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, two doctors, and two alleged drug dealers, including Jasveen Sangha, the so-called “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles”, have been arrested over the star's death.</p> <p>All five suspectes are facing charges including “conspiracy to distribute ketamine” over allegations they supplied the 54-year-old with the illegal drugs in the final weeks of his life.</p> <p>In the last four days of his life, Mr Perry paid $100,000 AUD for 70 vials of ketamine.</p> <p>Three of the five people charged have pleaded guilty to several drug-related offences, while a licensed doctor and an alleged drug dealer arrested in California on Thursday are the lead defendants in a “broad, underground criminal network” to distribute ketamine to Mr Perry and others.</p> <p>“These defendants took advantage of Mr Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr Perry, but they did it anyway,” said US Attorney Martin Estrada.</p> <p>Following the arrests, Matthew Perry's stepfather has shared a message of gratitude to law enforcement and hoped justice would be served. </p> <p>Keith Morrison, a Canadian journalist, and other loved ones of the <em>Friends</em> star in a statement issued to NBC News say they are finding some solace in the legal system nine months on from his death.</p> <p>"We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew's death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously," they said. "We look forward to justice taking its course."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Distraught wife of cricket legend reveals cause of death

<p>The grieving wife of late cricket legend Graham Thorpe has spoken out after her husband's untimely <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-news-cricket-legend-dies-at-just-55" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a>, revealing that he tragically took his own life. </p> <p>After an illustrious cricket career in the UK, Thorpe died on August 5th at just 55 years old, leaving behind his wife and four children. </p> <p>Thorpe had previously been hospitalised in May 2022 following a suicide attempt, but made a full recovery. </p> <p>His wife Amanda has spoken out about her husband's mental illness, sharing how he had been suffering for many years. </p> <p>“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better,” Amanda told <em>The Times</em>.</p> <p>“He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him.”</p> <p>She added: “We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”</p> <p>Amanda said Graham had suffered from major depression and anxiety “for a couple of years”, explaining, “Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe."</p> <p>“We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work."</p> <p>“Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone.”</p> <p>Following his sudden death, the England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement that said, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away."</p> <p>“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death."</p> <p>“More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world."</p> <p><em><strong>Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifeline.org.au</a></strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Colorsport/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

Our Partners

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.