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Mother charged after fatally crashing car through school fence

In a moment that has shattered hearts and silenced a vibrant community, an ordinary school day at Auburn South Primary turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy on October 29, 2024. A car, driven by a 40-year-old mother from Hawthorn East, veered off the road and crashed through the school's fence, ploughing into a group of Year 5 students during recess. Among those struck was 11-year-old Jack Davey – a much-loved son, brother and friend. Despite efforts to save him, Jack was critically injured and died on the way to the hospital. Four other children – two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old boy – were also seriously hurt, sustaining broken bones and significant upper body injuries. The woman behind the wheel had just picked up her own child from the school and was allegedly attempting a U-turn when the vehicle lost control. Both she and her child were unharmed. The driver, a recently licensed P-plater, was arrested at the scene but initially released. Now she has been formally charged with careless driving and failing to maintain proper control of a motor vehicle. Jack has been remembered as a bright light – a talented athlete, a member of several local sports clubs and a child whose laughter and energy lifted everyone around him. His parents, in a heartbreaking statement, expressed the depth of their grief: “We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old,” his father said. “Personally, he is our champion. He is our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.” The tragedy has touched far beyond the school gates. An online fundraiser created in Jack’s memory has raised more than $290,000, as people across Melbourne and beyond rally around his grieving family. Images: Victorian Department of Education

Legal

Aussie Olympian sentenced over wife's death

Olympic cycling champion Rohan Dennis has received a suspended prison sentence over a road incident that led to the tragic death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in Adelaide late last year. Dennis, 34, appeared before South Australia’s District Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in prison. However, Judge Ian Press suspended the sentence, citing Dennis’s guilty plea, remorse and his responsibilities as the sole carer for the couple’s two young children. Dennis had earlier pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm in relation to the events of 30 December 2023. Judge Press acknowledged the deep impact of the incident, saying that calling it "tragic" did not do justice to the "grief, anguish and turmoil" experienced by those close to Hoskins. Hoskins, 32, died after being struck by Dennis's vehicle outside their home in Medindie, Adelaide. The court heard the couple had been arguing over kitchen renovations before Dennis left the house and got into his car. During the confrontation, Hoskins reportedly jumped onto the car’s bonnet. Judge Press described driving with a person on the bonnet as “an inherently risky and dangerous act”. After she dismounted and attempted to open the car door, Dennis closed it and accelerated without realising she was still holding onto the vehicle. Hoskins then fell and suffered fatal injuries. Judge Press made it clear that Dennis was not charged with causing Hoskins’s death, but rather with a dangerous act that contributed to the chain of events. “I accept you have a sense of responsibility for all that occurred,” he told Dennis. “I accept you have anguished over what could have been different if you had acted in some other way.” Dennis, who remained emotionless throughout the sentencing, was also issued a $100, two-year good behaviour bond, and his driver's licence was suspended for five years. The judge warned that any breach of the driving ban would result in immediate imprisonment. Outside court, Hoskins’s father Peter expressed the family's grief but also their desire to move forward. “We miss Melissa terribly,” he said, his voice breaking. “But it’s time for us to move on, which would be Melissa’s expectation of us.” He added that the family intended to remain closely involved in the lives of the couple’s children and hoped to maintain a respectful relationship with Dennis. “They deserve this. They have done nothing wrong,” he said. Though the family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, Hoskins said he believed it would come in time. He also clarified they had not sought a custodial sentence, saying, “For them to go and lose their dad… albeit a temporary loss… I don’t think that would be ideal at all.” Melissa Hoskins was a celebrated cyclist, having represented Australia in the team pursuit at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and winning a world championship in 2015. Rohan Dennis is a two-time world champion in the road time trial and a dual Olympic medallist. The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only for the prominence of the individuals involved, but also for the deeply personal and painful circumstances surrounding the incident. Image: Fox Sports

Legal

Car thief found guilty after running over young "hero" cop

A man high on methamphetamine who killed a young police officer during a chaotic pursuit in Perth has been found guilty of manslaughter, bringing a painful but long-awaited moment of justice for a grieving family and police force. Reagan Ainslie Chown, 25, was convicted in the Supreme Court on Tuesday for the death of Constable Anthony Woods, 28, who was fatally injured on June 8, 2023, after being dragged under a stolen vehicle in the Perth suburb of Ascot. Constable Woods – described by colleagues and loved ones as a rising star and a true hero – had only just completed his probationary training when he was killed in the line of duty. The courtroom was heavy with emotion as the jury returned its guilty verdict after less than three hours of deliberation. Woods’ family members sobbed openly, clinging to each other as the decision was read. “We’re just overwhelmed. We’re absolutely so happy with the verdict,” said his mother, Natalie Woods, fighting through tears outside the courthouse. “It’s been a huge year-and-a-half and I just want to thank all the police and detectives and everyone that’s been there for us. Now we can let him rest and start just living his memory the best way we can.” Chown had tried to shift the blame, claiming Constable Woods had “put himself in a dangerous position” and that he had lost control of his body during the incident. But police leaders and prosecutors strongly rejected the defence. “Anthony was a hero to all of us,” said WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. “I reject any notion that Anthony should not have done what he did. He did his job. He never got to go home from his shift that night.” Blanch called the suggestion that Constable Woods was at fault “offensive and disgusting”, adding that the entire police force – often referred to as the "blue family" – had been mourning deeply since the tragedy. “But today is a small piece of justice,” he said. The court heard that Chown and two accomplices were fleeing police in a stolen Holden Cruz when they entered a cul-de-sac. As Constable Woods opened the driver's side door and attempted to arrest Chown, the officer deployed his Taser. In the chaos that followed, Woods fell and was dragged under the vehicle. He died days later from cardiac arrest caused by mechanical compression injuries. Prosecutor Justin Whalley said Chown had meth in his system at the time and was still in possession of the drug. Chown had earlier admitted to stealing the car and reckless driving, but pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Constable Woods was laid to rest in a funeral attended by more than 2,000 mourners at Optus Stadium, including officers from around the country. The service was a solemn tribute to a man whose bravery and dedication touched the lives of many. “We will never stop missing him,” Constable Woods' mother said. “But today, we found a little bit of peace.” Chown is due to be sentenced on July 3.

Legal

Another Aussie traveller found dead in Thailand

A 41-year-old Australian man from South Australia has been found dead in the waters off Freedom Beach in Phuket, three days after he was reported missing by his wife while on holiday. According to Thai authorities, the man was last seen on May 7, prompting a search effort after his disappearance. His body was discovered on the morning of May 10 by the chief lifeguard during a routine patrol. The lifeguard spotted the body drifting about 20 metres from the shore amid strong surf conditions. Officers from Karon Police Station responded to the call and retrieved the body using ropes due to the rough seas. The man was found wearing only black underpants, and emergency responders pulled him to shore for formal identification. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit confirmed that the man had been in Thailand since April 20. He told local outlet Asia Pacific Press that the victim’s family has been notified. “We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” Lt. Col. Chamnankit said. “Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.” The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. This incident marks the second death of an Australian tourist in Thailand within the past week. On May 3, 22-year-old Melbourne man Corey Walsh died after jumping from a tour boat near the popular snorkelling area of Koh Racha Yai. Authorities said he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before repeatedly entering the water. Walsh was pulled from the sea unconscious and unresponsive. Despite efforts by tour conductors and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at Chalong Hospital. No illegal substances were found on board, though empty alcohol bottles were recovered. These back-to-back tragedies come after the drowning of Chinese tourist Zhang Xiaohan, 30, who was scuba diving near Kabakan Island in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. She was swept away by strong currents while attempting to retrieve her GoPro camera. Her body was later found 88 metres underwater, near a known diving route. Image: Asia Pacific Press

Travel Trouble

Lauren Zonfrillo speaks on husband Jock’s sudden death

In a moment that has resonated with grief across Australia and beyond, Lauren Zonfrillo has spoken publicly for the first time about the devastating loss of her husband, celebrated chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo. Zonfrillo, just 46 years old, was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room in May 2023. The suddenness of his passing left his family shattered – his wife Lauren and their two young children were on the other side of the world in Italy when they received the unimaginable news. Since then, many questions have lingered, especially around the cause of his death. But Lauren has now made it clear: those details will remain private. Speaking in an emotional interview with Liz Hayes for 7NEWS Spotlight, Lauren shared how she and the coroner agreed not to make Jock’s cause of death public – a decision made out of respect, protection and love. “We spoke to the coroner multiple times because the inquest took a while,” she said. “It was just sort of agreed that for the privacy and safety of our family... that it wouldn’t be in the public’s best interest or our best interest, and that was determined well before the report was finalised.” In Victoria, coronial findings are not always made public, and discretion can be used if deemed to be in the public interest. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the investigation into Zonfrillo’s death was concluded in August 2024, with no report to be released. While some sources close to the family have said the beloved chef died of natural causes, Lauren said it was her desire to shield her family from further public scrutiny – and to preserve some part of the man who, to them, was far more than a television personality. “Up until Jock’s death, yes, he was a public figure,” she said. “But, since we lost Jock, I’d been trying to reclaim some of his privacy… to give him some peace as much as I can. To us, he’s Dad, Papa, husband – and he’s not a public figure to us anymore.” As tributes to Jock continue to pour in, the grief of his family remains raw – and the privacy they seek a small comfort in the shadow of profound loss. Images: 7NEWS Spotlight

Caring

Murder charge laid after death of 19-year-old ironwoman

A 53-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old ironwoman <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/beloved-aussie-athlete-found-dead-at-just-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Audrey Griffin</a>, nearly a month after her body was discovered in a creek on the NSW Central Coast. Griffin’s body was found partially submerged in Erina Creek near The Entrance Road in Erina around 3:45pm on March 23 – the same day she was reported missing following a night out with friends. At the time, her death was not considered suspicious. However, a renewed police investigation and subsequent inquiries shifted the course of the case, culminating in the man’s arrest in Sydney on Monday April 21. The breakthrough came just three days after police released an image of a man they were seeking to speak with in relation to the case. The man was taken into custody and transported to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with murder. In addition, he faces 11 domestic violence charges that are unrelated to the murder. Police will allege the man was involved in a physical altercation with Griffin prior to her death. He was refused bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court. Audrey Griffin was a promising young athlete and beloved member of the surf lifesaving community. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Police have not ruled out further charges as investigations continue. Images: Facebook

Legal

Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death. In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes. Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription Franciscus. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial. With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made. The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues. Images: Wikimedia Commons

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Fresh medical report sheds new light on Shane Warne’s sudden death

New details have emerged regarding the sudden death of cricketing legend Shane Warne, who passed away in a Thai hotel room in March 2022 at the age of 52. A newly surfaced medical report, published by The Sun, reveals that multiple medications were found in Warne’s luxury villa on the Thai island of Koh Samui. These included two types of Viagra – Sildenafil (marketed as Viagra) and Kamagra (an unregulated version available in jelly sachets) – as well as Dapoxetine, a drug used to prevent premature ejaculation. While Viagra and Dapoxetine are legal with a prescription, Kamagra is illegal in Thailand but widely available over the counter. It remains uncertain whether Warne had taken any of these medications before his passing. Warne had a known history of heart issues, and these medications carry warnings for individuals with cardiovascular conditions. However, a post-mortem examination conducted in Thailand concluded that Warne died of natural causes due to congenital heart disease, ruling out foul play. Despite this, recent reports claim that Thai police removed Kamagra from Warne’s hotel room during their investigation. Meanwhile, News Corp reported that Warne had openly discussed using Viagra during his relationship with actress and model Elizabeth Hurley. Warne was staying at the Smujana Villas resort with three friends at the time of his death. CCTV footage captured two massage therapists leaving his villa shortly before he was found unresponsive at approximately 5pm His friends called for medical assistance at 5:40pm, with paramedics arriving at 6pm and initiating CPR at 6:10pm. Dr Dulyakit Wittayachanyapong, who oversaw Warne’s treatment at Thailand International Hospital, described his condition upon arrival, stating: “When he arrived at hospital, his face was green and pale, he had black blood in his nose and mouth, which was unusual. There was no sign of life.” Hospital staff attempted resuscitation for 43 minutes before Warne was declared dead at 6:53pm. According to the medical report, doctors intubated him and administered adrenaline and sodium bicarbonate in an attempt to revive him. Blood tests revealed that his oxygen levels had plummeted to a critical 40%. In the weeks leading up to his death, Warne had been on a liquid diet, and his lifestyle reportedly included habitual smoking and drinking. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with fans and former teammates mourning the loss of an icon whose impact on the sport remains unmatched. Images: Instagram

Caring

‘Behind every claim is a grieving family’. Death benefits inquiry update

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> When Lisa’s husband passed away unexpectedly, she assumed accessing his superannuation <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/superannuation-death-benefits">death benefit</a> would be straightforward. Instead, she spent months navigating a bureaucratic maze. She repeatedly sent documents, waited weeks for callbacks and struggled to get answers from his fund. Her experience is far from unique. A damning <a href="https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/reports/rep-806-taking-ownership-of-death-benefits-how-trustees-can-deliver-outcomes-australians-deserve/">new report</a> reveals systemic failure by Australia’s <a href="https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/super-stats/#:%7E:text=Total%20superannuation%20assets%20were%20%244.2,with%20more%20than%20six%20members.">A$4 trillion</a> superannuation industry in handling members’ death benefits. <h2>A system in disarray</h2> The Australian Security and Investments Commission’s landmark review of ten major super trustees, managing 38% of super assets, exposes an industry that is not serving its members. Grieving families routinely face excessive delays, insensitive treatment and unnecessary hurdles when trying to access death benefits. It found they sometimes waited over a year for payments to which they were legally entitled. The central problem was a fundamental breakdown in claims processing, with five critical failures exacerbating inefficiency and distress. 1. Poor oversight No trustee monitored end-to-end claims handling times, leaving boards unaware of how long families were waiting. While the fastest trustee resolved 48% of claims within 90 days, the slowest managed just 8%. In one case, a widow waited nearly a year despite her husband having a valid binding nomination. ASIC found 78% of delays stemmed from processing inefficiencies entirely within trustees’ control. 2. Misleading and inadequate information Many funds misled on processing times and masked extreme delays. Boards often received reports only on insured claims, despite most death benefits not involving insurance. This meant boards were unable to fix systemic problems. 3. Process over people Risk-averse procedures often overrode common sense. Many funds imposed claim-staking – delaying payments for objections – even for straightforward cases, adding a median 95 day delay. Communication failures further compounded delays, with claimants receiving inconsistent advice and few or no status updates. 4. Outsourcing without accountability Claims handled in-house were processed significantly faster than those managed by external administrators. Only 15% of outsourced claims were resolved within 90 days, compared to 36% of in-house claims. The securities commission is calling for stronger oversight. External administrators significantly slow down responses, so some funds may need to bring claims processing back in-house to ensure efficiency. 5. Lack of transparency Many funds failed to provide clear timelines or explanations for delays and had no accountability mechanisms. The ten funds investigated include the Australian Retirement Trust, Avanteos (Colonial First State), Brighter Super, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, HESTA, Hostplus, NM Super (AMP), Nulis (MLC), Rest and UniSuper. Two others, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/asic-sues-australian-super-death-processing-benefit-claims-delay/105040450">Australian Super and Cbus</a>, are being sued separately by ASIC for either failing to pay out or delaying payments to thousands of eligible beneficiaries. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=405&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=405&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=405&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=509&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=509&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=509&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A list of key findings from the ASIC Taking ownership of death benefits report" /></a><figcaption><a class="source" href="https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/reports/rep-806-taking-ownership-of-death-benefits-how-trustees-can-deliver-outcomes-australians-deserve/">Taking ownership of death benefits: How trustees can deliver outcomes Australians deserve, ASIC, March 2025</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>Will ASIC’s fixes work?</h2> ASIC has made 34 recommendations to improve death benefit processing. This will require real change, not box ticking. Changes should include setting performance objectives and empowering frontline staff to cut unnecessary steps. There should be consequences for failure. Unlike the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/bereavement">United Kingdom</a>, which fines pension providers for missing statutory deadlines, ASIC’s recommendations lack penalties. Without consequences, some funds may continue prioritising administrative convenience over members receiving their entitlements. <h2>What needs to happen now?</h2> ASIC’s report is a wake-up call, but real reform requires strong action. Super funds must be held to clear, binding processing timelines, with meaningful penalties for non-compliance. Standardising requirements across the industry would eliminate unnecessary hurdles, ensuring all beneficiaries are treated fairly. Beyond regulation, funds must improve communication and accountability. Bereaved families deserve clear, plain language guidance on what to expect, not bureaucratic roadblocks or sudden document requests. Technological upgrades should focus on reducing delays, not just internal efficiencies. And to better support families, an independent claims advocate could help navigate the process, ensuring no one is left to struggle alone. <h2>Has ASIC gone far enough?</h2> While ASIC’s review is a step in the right direction, it does not fundamentally overhaul flawed claims-handling practices. The recommendations lack enforceability, relying on voluntary compliance. Also, the role of insurers within super remains largely unaddressed, despite death benefits being tied to life insurance policies. This often causes further complications and delays. Ensuring insurers adopt and apply ASIC’s recommendations will be critical for meaningful change. Most importantly, super funds must remember that behind every claim is a grieving family. No one should have to fight for what they are owed during one of the most stressful times in their life.<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/253419/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/natalie-peng-1369555">Natalie Peng</a>, Lecturer in Accounting, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> 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/behind-every-claim-is-a-grieving-family-death-benefits-inquiry-demands-change-but-lacks-penalties-253419">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Legal

"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

Caring

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

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Family breaks silence after five-year-old son fatally hit by car

The devastated family of five-year-old boy Alby Thompson have remembered him for his "laughter and love". The young boy died after being struck by a four-wheel-drive in Broome, Western Australia about 5.20pm last Thursday. The five-year-old was rushed to Broome Regional Hospital where he later died. His family have issued a statement to the ABC on Wednesday and thanked the community for their “outpouring of love". “It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of our beloved son, Alby, who tragically lost his life in a road accident,” the statement began. “His laughter and love filled our hearts and home. “We kindly request privacy during this period of mourning as we come to terms with this devastating loss. “We thank the community for their outpouring of love and support during this heart-wrenching time.” The 34-year-old driver of the Landcruiser is assisting police with inquiries, and no charges have been laid. Image: 7News

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

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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

Beauty pageant queen dies after horrific car crash

American beauty pageant queen Kadance Fredericksen has died at the age of 18 after a horrific head-on car crash. According to multiple US outlets, Fredericksen, who was named Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA, tragically died on February 17 following a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer while driving on a Florida highway. The sudden death of the Miss Teen USA title holder was confirmed in a heartbreaking post on The Miss Florida USA Instagram account, saying "our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul" and noting she "was a true light in this world". The Miss Florida USA organisation wrote in their Instagram post underneath a black and white shot of the pageant queen: "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of our beloved delegates, Kadance Fredericksen, Miss Okaloosa County." "Our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul – one who was a true light in this world. She was ambitious, driven, kind, and a leader among her pageant sisters." They added in part of the post, "May we honour her memory by carrying forward the light she so effortlessly shared with the world and our Florida pageant community. Forever our Queen 🙏🕊️." Her pageant coach Michelle Watts told WKRG following her death, "Even though she passed away at 18 years old, literally, her life story and her life start song still sings." "She is going to have such a legacy behind her." Image credits: Instagram

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