Family of London nurse who was victim to hospital prank awaits return of remains

A relative of Jacintha Saldhana, a nurse in London who allegedly committed suicide after a radio show prank call, said Wednesday the family has received no word yet on when her remains will be released to the family for burial.

"We are not sure when they will let us have the body and when we can have the funeral," said the relative, who asked not to be named.

Saldhana was found dead Dec. 7 at the nurses' compound at central London's King Edward VII Hospital. 

Her death followed a prank phone call by an Australian radio show that Saldhana forwarded to a fellow staff member, who then gave details about the condition of the Duchess of Cambridge, who was being treated at the time for severe morning sickness.

"We are now 90 percent sure to get the body here," said the relative, referring to Saldhana's home village of Shirva in the Udupi district of Karnataka state.

The relative added that the family understood the government of India and its mission in London were still working on getting Saldhana's remains repatriated. 

Media reports have said authorities have urged the family not to speak publicly about the death following rumors that Saldhana may have died under "mysterious circumstances."

The relative told ucanews.com that family members in India were shattered by the unexpected death, and that they had been besieged by reporters seeking comment, adding that the family "hoped to know" something more about the arrival of Saldhana's remains in the next few days.

Latest News

Advertisement