Catherine - Nurse In Duchess Hoax Call Found Dead

Jacintha Saldanha was discovered unconscious outside the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Friday (07Dec12), just two days after she was duped by a headline-grabbing practical joke staged by two radio hosts pretending to be members of the British royal family.

Paramedics tried to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from a hospital spokesperson reads, "It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha. Jacintha had worked at the King Edward VII Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse, well respected and popular with all of her colleagues. We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time."

Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian phoned the private hospital, where Catherine was receiving treatment for a nasty bout of morning sickness, to obtain private medical information about Prince William's pregnant wife as part of a practical joke on Tuesday (04Dec12).

William and Catherine have released a statement to voice their sadness after hearing of the tragedy and sent their condolences to Saldanha's loved ones.

The statement reads, "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well during their time at the hospital and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha her family, friends and colleagues."

The royal couple revealed the baby news to the world on Monday (03Dec12), shortly after the Duchess checked into the hospital.