As Condolences Pour in, Jacintha's Husband, Children Speak of Tragic Loss


As Condolences Pour in, Jacintha's Husband, Children Speak of Tragic Loss

Daijiworld Media Network

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London, Dec 9: The suspected suicide of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who hailed from Mangalore, India, has left her husband and children devastated.

Jacintha, who worked at King Edward VII hospital, was found dead on December 7, two days after she transferred a hoax call from Australian radio presenters who were pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles, which led to leaking of sensitive information about duchess Kate Middleton's health.

The Daily Mail reported that Ben Barboza from Shirva in Udupi, India said he was 'devastated with the tragic loss of my beloved wife Jacintha in tragic circumstances.’

In a poignant message to Daijiworld on the report of the tragic death of Archbishop Ambrose Madtha in Ivory Coast, Benedict Barboza said: "Struggling to come to terms with my Wife Jacintha's tragic loss, this is another shock. No more strength to bear this loss. Dear Bijja, no words to express my grief at your brother's tragic loss, with your continuous prayers you were my strength, now I offer your my prayers. May Almighty grant you and the entire Madtha family strength and courage to bear this sorrow - Benna."

Jacintha's 14-year-old daughter Lisha expressed her sorrow on Facebook with 'I miss you, I loveeee you.'

The news report in the Daily Mail also quoted some of Jacintha's friends who said that she had been popular, quiet and 'profoundly caring'. Though she was not reprimanded by the hospital, her friends revealed that she was feeling guilty and confused about it.

The family's Bristol home is being flocked by close friends who are trying to console Benedict and the children.

Earlier speaking to Daijiworld, Benedict's mother Carmine, amidst tears of sorrow said that they had no idea that such a tragedy would befall them. Though they called home often, the couple did not disclose anything about the royal prank call to their family back in Shirva.

"We came to know about it (suicide) only through media and news channels on TV. Our mother (Carmine Barboza, 82,) is inconsolable. It is hard to believe Jacintha could do it as she was not type who would take life like that," said Benedict's sister D'Souza to IANS.

"We didn't even know that Jacintha got unwittingly involved in the hoax call though we read something about it in newspapers last week that there was a prank call to the hospital from a radio station in Australia, whose jockeys tried to know about the princess' (Kate Middleton) health by imitating the voice of the queen (Elizabeth) and prince (Charles)," IANS quoted Jacintha's nephew, who did not want to be named.

"Benedict wants to bring Jacintha's body to India for burial at Shirva. We are waiting to know when he would be able to come so that all other family members could join us for prayers and last rites," a grieving Irene said.

Benedict Barboza's four sisters Irene, Janet, Severine and Mary reside at Shirva and Mangalore.

The Daily Mail quoted Carmine as stating that the body would not be handed over until Monday due to legal formalities.

Condolences and 'miss you' messages for Jacintha have been pouring in both at the hospital where she worked and at their Bristol home, and also back home in Shirva. Her colleagues have placed flowers near the hospital with a message that read:‘Dear Jacintha, Our thoughts are with you and your family. From all your fellow nurses, we bless your soul. RIP xxx’

Interestingly, Jacintha had in an online testimonial described herself as 'a very nervous person', the Daily Mail reported.

The Scotland Yard is said to be investigating her death.

Online memorial for Jacintha
(DHNS)

People from across the globe have posted messages on social networking sites expressing varied views on the controversial death of Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse of Dakshina Kannada-origin who was serving at King Edward VII Hospital in London.

In addition to Rest in Peace (RIP) messages, posts expressing sympathy to the bereaved family and those criticising the two RJs who made a prank call have flooded the social networking sites, mainly Facebook.

‘Prank call’ was made to King Edward VII Hospital where Duchesss Kate Middleton was undergoing treatment. Jacintha is said to have picked the call and transferred it to the ward. This act of hers had apparently landed her in trouble.

People from England, the USA, New Zealand and India are using Facebook pages, created to condole the death of Jacintha, as a platform to express their views about the incident.

Expressing grief over the death, Cheryl Scullion, a nurse from Cambridge, on a Facebook page dedicated to Jacintha says, “I can't help but feel outraged by all of this.

Being a nurse myself, I completely understand the stresses that we go through daily in order to give our patients great care.

I honestly think that as soon as the radio DJs got through and were talking to nursing staff, they should have been honest and stopped the prank because they were no longer pulling a prank on the royals but instead they were mocking innocent staff.”

On the other, Stephen Coleman from USA thinks, the DJs were not responsible for the death. As he puts it, “Until this unfortunate ending, nobody expressed anger at the prank... half the people who heard it laughed and the rest just carried on with their lives not giving it a second thought. I find it very hard to believe that she killed herself over a prank call.”

A furious Ashley Joseph from New South Wales questions, "Do media stunts should be at the expense of innocent? Please stop playing with others’ lives."

However, Zephyr Estee from Himachal Pradesh feels that the incident only reflects the lapse in the security given to the England’s Royal family. The Facebook post says, “Nurse had far too much information and exposed huge security holes for the Royals.

This was far more than just embarrassing the Royals. Murdering Jacintha Saldanha is both a message to those attempting to interfere with the Royals, as well as a cruel method to guard sensitive security and private information.”

An online memorial too has been created to pay tribute to Jacintha on http://www.memmento.com/Memorial-at-Memmento/3557/Jacintha-Saldanha/

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Joyce D'sa, Mangalore,valencia

    Wed, Dec 12 2012

    Dear Jacintha,
    It is hard to beleive that your no more.Your death shattered me.May your soul rest in peace.You being my close friend in school and college brings back sweet memories of days we spend together.My heartfelt condolences to your family.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mr. Kenneth , Bangalore, Vice President, Karnataka Nurses Forum

    Wed, Dec 12 2012

    I, on behalf of Karnataka Nurses Forum express our heartfelt condolences. We were shocked to hear this news. We are happy Father Muller College officials have conducted prayer commemorating her family. We are deeply concerned of this issue. We would like to know the exact fact. We are least convinced by the current scenario. We would work for pressuring Indian Government to take initiative. We would be grateful if somebody provide the numbers of her family members. We extend our full support to her family.

    karnatakanursesforum@gmail.com

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • GAYATHRI S, MANGALORE

    Wed, Dec 12 2012

    MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • arif , kudroli

    Wed, Dec 12 2012

    my hearty condolence to jecintha's family, may jecintha's soul rest in peace..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anonymous, Toronto

    Wed, Dec 12 2012

    Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her may her soul rest in peace. Amen. My condolences to her entire family.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Movin Reymond Vas, kuwait

    Tue, Dec 11 2012

    i fell sad Jacintha family.my bless and prayers are with her family,

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr.Wilson Vitus D'Souza, Mangalore

    Tue, Dec 11 2012

    My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. I pray may the Lord grant them strength to bear the loss of jacintha.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia Rodrigues\Cardoza, Naravi\Adelaide, Australia

    Tue, Dec 11 2012

    Dear Benna, Junal, Lisha and all the family members,Me and my family are so shocked to hear about our Jacinta and we have no words to console you . Jacintha was my batchmate in Mullers, met in Muscat and in UK and I knew her for the past 28yrs. She was such a brave, smart, hard working and God fearing girl who will always fight for justice and I am sure she will not end her life.Even though we may not get an answer about how she died in mysterious circumstances, those who knew Jessie are sure that she will not kill herself.May the Lord give you, Junal and Lisha the courage and support at this difficult time, and Jessie will be remembered always. May her soul rest in peace.Cyntia,Avitus, Dwane and Brisna.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Evans Christopher Sumitra, Udupi/New York, USA

    Tue, Dec 11 2012

    A very sad and unfortunate incident and very hard to digest. Whoever did this prank should end their lives and be responsible for the death of Jacintha who was a loyal and hard working nurse. Jacintha RIP and may God give all the courage and comfort to all family members and friends.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jeneview Castelino , Houston, Texas

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    I am deeply saddened to hear of tragic loss. Jesse is a God fearing and a dedicated nurse, it’s a shock for me, and I cannot believe Jesse is no more only few can understand the depth of nursing profession, we miss you Jessie…, Prayers and my heartfelt condolences with the family, May God give strength and courage to bear the loss
    May Jacintha's soul RIP.AMEN

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Atul/Assumpta Fernandes, Mangalore/Urwa

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Dear Ben,Junal and Lisha,
    There are those lives death cannot diminish. Their love radiates forever to the hearts of friends and loved ones, and their light shines on in the lives they have touched for so many years.
    Night falls, but day dawns to replace it...
    Grief comes, but time will ease the pain....
    Life ends, but death cannot erase it....
    In memory, love always will remain. We miss you Jacintha.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • WILSON LOBO - SHIRVA / DUBAI, shirva

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Dear Benna , Children & all the family members, This is a shocking news for the entire shirva residents. Our prayes & supports always with you, May the Almighty give us strength to bear Jessy's loss.
    Let us pray for her soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ivan Mathias, Dubai/ Pilar

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Dear Benna , Children & all the family members, Its a shock for all of us. May the Almighty give us strength to bear Jessy's loss. I have no words to console you all.RIP Jacintha
    Ivan, Shobha, Shelwy n Sianna

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anonymous, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    alwyn, mangalore/dubai Sunday, December 09, 2012
    I feel sad for Jacintha's family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family...Comment on this message Report Abuse
    Agree [11]
    Disagree [2]
    ====
    It is surprising to see some people diagreeing with this comment and and also on most of other comments. These people are no better than those Australian RJs. Heartless animals.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Valento, mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    my hearty condolence to jecintha's family, may jecintha's soul rest in peace..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • William & Anita, Bajpe/Dubai

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Dear Benna & Children, It's a shock for all of us. May the Almighty give us all the strength to bear Jessy's loss. I have no words to console you all - we all join you with our prayers. May Jessy's departed soul rest in peace and normalcy return to your lives...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allan Fernandes, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mangalore/UK

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    It is with great sadness that I have learnt the tragic news of Jacintha who stood for the principle of patient confidentiality. I hail from Shirva and did part of my training in Fr Muller's. I extend my heartfelt sympathies and assurance of prayers to her beloved husband and children.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Pune

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Why mode of suicide is not revealed till now ? Was it by consuming poison, by hanging, by jumping from building ? Every angle leads to suspicion. Prince William who lost his mother and has experienced the agony of losing mother should give justice to two little children of Jacintha.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson, shirva/Pamboor

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    What the stupid hell are radio DJ's doing prank calling a HOSPITAL. They caused this woman's death. she's still be alive today if these idiots didn't make prank calls to a place where lives are saved daily, in a very stressful and depressing environment. It should be a punishable offence to prank call such a place.this is the work of aussie racism. RIP Jacintha.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clitus Dsouza, Bantwal

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Jacintha is a God fearing lady and not the one who puts end to her own life at any circumstances.somethng else has occured here.

    My heartfelt condolences to the Barboza / Saldanha families.May Jacintha's soul RIP.AMEN.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph, Doha Qatar

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    I just read in the UK's 'The Sun' newspaper that the two moron racist Aussie DJ's don't have the cheek to apologize for provoking Jacintha's death through a hoax call and READ THIS ... ....... they say they will never say sorry for this prank call lest they are tried for their act. Instead they had the cheek to snuff out a mother's life and leave the two children and her husband deserted forever. What a culture !! Instead, I salute our country ... barring All Fools Day (April 1) most of us native Indians don't like to fool others, 'cos it is another damn culture from the West and we being hypersensitive do not want to provoke another Jacintha episode. I think irrespective of our caste creed or education, we are one lakh times more civilized and cultured than those bore jeeks. Even though some of our family virtues may have never taught us of these, we would never be provoked to stoop so low and cause untold hardships (even if it is a joke). Such incidents in India are also very very rare and unheard of. Just for gaining some TRP's on a particular radio channel, I am sure they did not attain the sky by this stupid creativity, on the contrary, I wonder how these crude mentalities can even think of going to such an extent of causing harm to others. Even if there are severe restrictions / curbs in-the-near-future with the media and allied communication, what is the guarantee that this type of nonsensical mischief will never recur again. Or how many more may still be trying to make prank calls just to derive pleasure and make some other innocent a gullible victim remains to be seen. It is a very sad and irreparable loss. I feel sad for Jacintha's family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blaan Mendonca, USA

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Benedict and his family must prove that Jacintha Saldanha's death was caused because of the prank call to press criminal charges against the two DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig. The Prank Call was made by Michael Christian pretending to be Prince Charles and Mel Christian pretending to be Queen Elizabeth, Jacintha Saldanha, who was working as a receptionist that day, was fooled by their accents and patched them through to another nurse.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Pune

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    A very sensitive case. It can not be a suicide. Powerful conspiracy involved in the death of an innocent nurse. Very remote possibility of getting justice. It will be forgotten like Lady Diana's accidental death. May innocent soul of Jacintha rest in peace and God give strength to Jacintha's family to accept the loss of their bloved Jacintha.

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • jacintha, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Eternal Rest Grant to her O Lord. Give the courage to her family to bear this sudden and huge loss. For kind info, whoever visits this memento page, the photo on the wall is not hers, that person is still living and from Mangalore too. Kindly do not get confused.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay Aithal, Udupi

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Having strong family bonds and grown up children, A dedicated and God fearing nurse, how can she take extreme step to end her life ? It says body found few yards away from her hospital. Further, she has attended just a hoax call from the counter and transferred for a nurse who is attending for Kate's health. There must be a foul play and poor Jacintha is a victim.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [68] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dominic Dsouza, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    I do not think this is a case of suicide.Something else has happened. The British secret service must be having a hand in it.

    My condolences to the Barboza / Saldanha families.May Jacintha's soul RIP.AMEN.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [74] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ron Rodrigues, London

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    May Jacintha rest in peace let perpetual light shine upon her,may her family have the strength and courage to get through this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with them.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashlyn Fernandes, Goa / New Zealand

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Prayers and condolences with the family, the only good that come out of it is that one has sacrificed a life which should not go in vain and pray a similar situation does not occur again-

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Winny Menezes, Shirva/U.S.A

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Dear Benna and kids,
    We are extemely saddened about the loss of your wife Jacintha Saldanha
    It is sad to let go of a colleague that I have worked and studied with her before I have known her very well during my years of nursing at Fr.Mullers. Her personality let alone is great but her intelligence is quite unique and excellent. We miss you Jessy you will always be in our hearts. It was quite an exquisite experience to work with her and an experience I will never forget.
    -Winny Menezes
    Gurnja/Mlore

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • SANTOSH K SHETTY, KALATHUR/RIYADH

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    I feel so sorry for this unbelievable tragedy in country like u.k. Only god knows. Please pray all of us her soul rest in peace and courage to her family to bear this big loss.

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Blaan Mendonca, USA

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    United Kingdom is a democratic country. United Kingdom supports for democracy all over the world and are also supporting to remove rulers and kings in other countries. Then why United Kingdom is considering the Royal family so superior then their government. Is this not a discrimination and double standard from United Kingdom for the rest of the world. We are in the 21st century promoting democracy, freedom,and rights of the people. Why do the world support the Royal family of United Kingdom. United Kingdom invaded so many countries including India. The churches of the Anglican Communion have their historical roots in the English Reformation, when King Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) wished to obtain a divorce that the pope would not grant. Through the Act of Supremacy of 1534, the king made himself the "supreme head" of the Church of England in place of the Pope.

    After this dramatic move, King Henry dissolved England's monasteries, destroyed Catholic shrines, and ordered the Great Bible (in English) to be placed in all churches. However, Henry allowed few doctrinal changes and very little changed in the religious life of the common English worshiper. Under Henry VIII, and the Church of England remained almost fully Catholic with the exception of loyalty to Rome.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis(Joe) Martis, Barkur/USA

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    Due to extreme pressure at Management level where she worked plus pressure from Palace Authorities, she could stand no more. If the phone operator was Britih, nothing would have happened. This is a Democratic nation, British would say who cares?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • ranjith shetty-london, udupi

    Mon, Dec 10 2012

    I am deeply saddened to hear of tragic loss and we all pray God help your familiy during the difficult time , any help needed from london we are there , pls note my mobile in case needed- 00447787191379

    DisAgree [5] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, M'LORE/BAHRAIN

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    My thoughts are with the family. The poor woman. I can't imagine what it would have been like to walk in her shoes during the days following this prank. A nurse on night shift. Perhaps the hospital should have had better security. We can all make mistakes especially in the small hours of the morning. Imagine being laughed at as she had been. A prank in front of friends is bad enough but in front of the whole world...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cyril Moras, Siddakatte/Madikeri

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Dear Benna,
    Extremly sorry to hear the sad news. We pray God almighty to give you courage to face the situation. we personally can't forget your generosity and your hospitality towards us when we visited your place four years ago. Many times God puts us into tests. Pl. Don't lose faith in Him. He will guide you and protect you. May Jacintha's soul Rest In Peace

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric Coelho, Mangalore

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    I fail to understand for this prank call such a drastic step of "Suicide". Did she realize that she had a family to take care before taking this drastic step. It is just just difficult to understand. I can only this much RIP in God's House and you remain in the hearts of your family, friends, relatives and many people who loved you.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • abba, abudhabi

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Victim of breaking news.Let us pray for her soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Veronica Mendonca, USA

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Dear Benedict, Junal and Lisha Barboza
    Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. We are deeply saddened to hear of you tragic loss. We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. May the comfort of God help you during the difficult time. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
    Blaan, Winny, Blossom, and Brian Mendonca

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Austin Pais, Mangalore

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Really sad and shocked that an incident of such calibre took place which is beyond believing. My condolences goes to Jacintha's family.May lord give her family the strength to start a new life without her and bless them .The radio station DJ's should be questioned firstly and appropriate action must be taken.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    What the hell are radio DJ's doing prank calling a HOSPITAL. Charge them both, and whoever else was responsible. They caused this woman's death. she's still be alive today if these idiots didn't make prank calls to a place where lives are saved daily, in a very stressful and depressing environment. It should be a punishable offence to prank call such a place. RIP Jacintha.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prema Pinto, Muscat

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    Dear Benna , Children & all the family members, Its a shock for all of us. May the Almighty give us strength to bear Jessy's loss. I have no words to console you all. Remembering the days with Jessy & Benna, in Muscat at Sohar when they were here. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. May her soul Rest In Peace. May the Lord grant the Justice soon. Let Lord Jesus forgive the People who are responsible for Jessy's sudden loss. Except God no one can heal our wounds & sorrow. Take care. I am with you all in my prayers.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • alwyn, mangalore/dubai

    Sun, Dec 09 2012

    I feel sad for Jacintha's family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse


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