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Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

A 13-year-old girl from New Zealand has tragically died after sustaining an “unsurvivable head injury” during a school excursion to an ice skating rink. Kymani was rushed from Alpine Ice Sports Centre to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday morning, after falling while skating with her classmates. Following her sudden death, the young girl's grandmother created an online <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ice-skating-school-trip-unexpected-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraiser</a>, where she explained, “Sadly while on a school excursion Kymani fell, sustaining an unsurvivable head injury.” “This is a parent’s worst nightmare — sending your child to school and to never return home,” Kymani’s family said. “Her parents, brothers, sisters and whanau are devastated. Kymani was a beautiful girl, only 13 years old." “As this is an unexpected tragedy, any funds would be gratefully appreciated and will go towards preparing for what comes next.” "Aroha nui Hiley-Hetaraka whanau (Much love to the Hiley-Hethara family)." The skating rink was closed on Tuesday, as spokesperson said the staff’s “thoughts are with the family at this time”. The Ministry of Education also released a statement, which read, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news and our thoughts are with the family and school community. Our traumatic incident team is available to support the school for as long as needed.” WorkSafe NZ is looking into the incident. Image credits: givealittle.co.nz

Caring

Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

The armourer on the set of the film Rust has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger. Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around. “This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday. “This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison. Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way. His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for a second time over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. The Hollywood legend has been indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico over the death of the 42-year-old cinematographer, who was hit with a live bullet that had been loaded into a prop gun for a scene. “The above named defendant did cause the death of Halyna Hutchins by an act committed with the total disregard of indifference for the safety of others,” the indictment obtained by <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/19/news/alec-baldwin-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-over-rust-shooting/">The Post</a> read. Baldwin has long denied the charges, and has stood by his claim that he did not pull the trigger on the day of the accident. Baldwin had previously been charged with the same crime by the Santa Fe district attorney in January 2022. He pleaded not guilty at the time, but the case soon fell apart and the charges were dropped in April that year after it was determined that further forensic testing needed to be done on the weapon that fired the bullet. Despite the case being dismissed, the DA was clear that the door would be left open to refile the charges. Prosecutors have also charged Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who oversaw the weapons on the movie set, with the same crime. She has also pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

The ex-wife of late actor Christian Oliver has broken her silence following a plane crash that killed the actor and their two young daughters, Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12. Jessica Klepser took to Instagram to share a statement just days after the tragedy. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," she said in the post shared by Wundabar Pilates, the studio where she works. Klepser added that Oliver and their daughters were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean, when the single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean. "Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive," the statement continued. Klepser then went on to honour her two daughters. "Madita, a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances. "Annik, a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various forms of art." "The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities," adding that Oliver's loss will also be "deeply felt by all who knew him." <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/C1vgVoCrY4v/?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/C1vgVoCrY4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by WundaBar Pilates by Amy Jordan (@wundabarpilates)</a> </div> </blockquote> The post included a picture of their daughters hugging in front of a sunset, and also noted that in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations via a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-christian-madita-and-annik?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page, to help cover the costs of returning "Christian and the girls home," among other expenses. The 51-year-old actor had a couple of roles in TV and film, but is mostly known for his role as Snake Oiler in the 2008 action film, Speed Racer. His career began in 1994 with a 26-episode role on the show Saved by the Bell: The New Class. According to The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/07/christian-oliver-daughters-plane-crash-tribute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a>, Oliver and Klepser tied the knot on July 2010, before Oliver filed for divorce in December 2021 after 11 years of marriage. The divorce was finalised in June, with the couple sharing joint custody of their daughters. Oliver is survived by his sister and parents in Germany. Images: GoFundMe/Instagram

Family & Pets

Tragic final photo of newlyweds moments before fatal crash

A bride was killed and her groom was left seriously injured when a drunk driver hit their golf cart from behind in the US state of South Carolina. Samantha Miller, 34, and husband Aric Hutchinson were reportedly leaving their wedding reception when another vehicle hit their golf cart at 105km/h, propelling it almost 100m and causing it to roll. The accident occurred around 10pm on Friday, and Miller died at the scene from blunt force injuries, the Charleston County Coroner’s Office reported. Her husband and two other males were hurt and remain in hospital. Annette Hutchinson, the groom's mother, said that her son-in-law and grandson were escorting the couple from the wedding reception in the golf cart when they were struck from behind. She also said that her son has had one of two reconstruction surgeries and is suffering from a brain injury, and multiple broken bones. Annette has started a GoFundMe account to help pay for her daughter-in-law’s funeral expenses and the medical bills for her son and his family. Authorities have charged Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, with three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm/death, and one count of reckless homicide. Komoroski, the driver who hit the golf cart, was not injured in the accident. Image: GoFundMe

Legal

Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter over fatal Rust shooting

Charges are to be made over an on-set tragedy that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over the tragic incident. In New Mexico, involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison, as well as a fine. The case requires prosecutors prove that Hutchins died as a result of underlying negligence, and “includes the misdemeanour charge of negligent use of a firearm.” Confirmation came from Mary Carmack-Altwies, Sante Fe’s district attorney, who said that the charges against Baldwin and Reed would be filed by the end of January. “After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico,” said Carmack-Altqies, “I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew. On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.” Baldwin’s attorney, however, believes the decision to be “a terrible miscarriage of justice.” The news comes after a year of investigation into the incident, in which a revolver Alec was using during a rehearsal for the film Rust fired a live round and caused a fatal wound to Hutchins. The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also hit but survived his injuries. The investigation into Halyna’s death sought to learn how live rounds made it onto the set at all, and from there into a functioning firearm. In 2022, New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau found that the film production company behind Rust was aware that firearm safety procedures were not being followed, and the hazards on set were being met with indifference. While Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed are to each face the charges of involuntary manslaughter, the film’s assistant director, David Halls, has signed a plea agreement for the negligent use of a deadly weapon. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F1stJDA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid026SV45YMwTanEhpdL3BpczGn4PiRbKirEyokhGSph8j6PrnS8XRhViE4EPWmKsiYzl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="199" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> As special prosecutor Andrea Weeb stated, “if any one of these three people — Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez Reed or David Halls — had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today.” Baldwin has maintained that he was unaware of the live rounds, and that he was informed the weapon was ‘cold’ - a term used in the industry to mean the gun is ‘safe’. In 2021, the actor said in an interview that he did not pull the trigger, and that the gun fired when cocked. Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney, supported these claims, stating that “Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun … He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. “We will fight these charges, and we will win.” Images: Getty Images

Legal

Paramedic who attended fatal accident did not realise it was her own daughter

WARNING: Distressing content A paramedic who unknowingly responded to a serious car crash, involving her own daughter has publicly spoken out about the tragedy. Jayme Erickson from Alberta, Canada was dispatched to a collision at 4:30 pm on November 15 and tended to two injured patients. One of the patients was critically injured and trapped inside a vehicle. In a Facebook post, Erickson explained she tended to the critically injured person trying to free them from the wreckage. Once the air ambulance arrived and took over, Erickson’s shift was done for the day and she went home. However, once she walked through the door, she received the life changing news that her daughter was involved in an accident. “The Royal Canadian Mountain Police were at my door to inform me that my daughter had been in an accident,” Erickson wrote. “The critically injured patient I had just attended to was my own flesh and blood. My only child. My mini-me. My daughter, Montana.” Erickson said she had not recognised the patient as her own daughter because of the horrific nature of her injuries. She rushed to hospital where she was told her 17-year-old would not make it. “I will cherish the memories we made and the time we had together. I am shattered. I am broken. I am missing a piece of me. I am left to pick up the pieces and expected to carry on,” Erickson wrote. Erickson fronted the media on Wednesday, a week after the crash, alongside her co-workers and friends and family. Speaking about her unimaginable loss, several colleagues comforted Erickson when she began to break down. “(Montana) meant the world to all of us,” she said. “This tragedy is not only felt here by this community, it’s felt throughout the province and maybe even the country. “I think every first responder can relate to the pain that we’re feeling. Nobody wants to go through anything like this.” Erickson described her daughter as a “firecracker” and a “fighter”. “She fought until the day she died,” she said. A fundraiser has been set up to help Montana’s parents as they try to navigate the world without their daughter. Image: Nine News A paramedic who unknowingly responded to a serious car crash, involving her own daughter has publicly spoken out about the tragedy. Jayme Erickson from Alberta, Canada was dispatched to a collision at 4:30 pm on November 15 and tended to two injured patients. One of the patients was critically injured and trapped inside a vehicle. In a Facebook post, Erickson explained she tended to the critically injured person trying to free them from the wreckage. Once the air ambulance arrived and took over, Erickson’s shift was done for the day and she went home. However, once she walked through the door, she received the life changing news that her daughter was involved in an accident. “The Royal Canadian Mountain Police were at my door to inform me that my daughter had been in an accident,” Erickson wrote. “The critically injured patient I had just attended to was my own flesh and blood. My only child. My mini-me. My daughter, Montana.” Erickson said she had not recognised the patient as her own daughter because of the horrific nature of her injuries. She rushed to hospital where she was told her 17-year-old would not make it. “I will cherish the memories we made and the time we had together. I am shattered. I am broken. I am missing a piece of me. I am left to pick up the pieces and expected to carry on,” Erickson wrote. Erickson fronted the media on Wednesday, a week after the crash, alongside her co-workers and friends and family. Speaking about her unimaginable loss, several colleagues comforted Erickson when she began to break down. “(Montana) meant the world to all of us,” she said. “This tragedy is not only felt here by this community, it’s felt throughout the province and maybe even the country. “I think every first responder can relate to the pain that we’re feeling. Nobody wants to go through anything like this.” Erickson described her daughter as a “firecracker” and a “fighter”. “She fought until the day she died,” she said. A fundraiser has been set up to help Montana’s parents as they try to navigate the world without their daughter. Image: Nine News

Caring

Man faces court after one-punch attack kills world champion surfer

A man has faced court over the deadly one-punch assault that claimed the life of former professional surfer Chris Davidson. The former elite surfer is being mourned by the sporting community after he was attacked outside a pub on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Police said they were called to Sportsmans Way at South West Rocks just after 11pm on Saturday following reports a man had been punched in the face, fallen and hit his head on the pavement. Officers arrived on the scene where they found 45-year-old Davidson unconscious on the pavement. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the nearby Kempsey Hospital, where he died a short time later. A 42-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home early on Sunday, and was charged with assault causing death. At Port Macquarie Court on Sunday, he was refused bail. Surfing Australia says the sport's community is mourning the loss of the man affectionately known as "Davo". "Davo was an incredibly talented surfer and a true individual in our sport and community," the organisation said on Facebook. "Our thoughts go out to his two children, friends and family at this time." Eleven-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, who Davidson beat in two consecutive heats at Bells Beach as a 19-year-old wildcard entrant in 1996, called him one of the most naturally talented surfers he ever knew. "Lost another soldier yesterday. #RipChrisDavo. Had many a good battle with this guy," Slater said on Instagram. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Chilling note reveals Princess Diana may have predicted her fatal car crash

Two years before the car crash that claimed the life of Princess Diana, the royal predicted she would "either end up dead or be seriously injured" in a car accident that "could be staged". The eerie revelation, which became known as the "Mishcon Note", is discussed in detail in the upcoming docuseries, The Diana Investigations, of which <a href="https://pagesix.com/2022/08/17/princess-diana-predicted-fatal-car-crash-in-chilling-note/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Beast </a>obtained a preview. In October 1995, Diana requested a private meeting with her personal legal adviser, Victor Mishcon, allegedly to “tell him about something that was on her mind.” Mishcon took diligent notes during their conversation, in which Diana allegedly said “reliable sources,” whom she refused to name, had informed her “that a car accident might be staged.” Diana apparently predicted she would “either end up dead or be seriously injured.” Two years later, in August 1997, Diana died after her driver Henri Paul slammed their Mercedes into a pillar at 104km/h in Paris’ Pont de l’Alma tunnel. Paul was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs, but he was also trying to dodge the relentless paparazzi, who were trailing them on motorcycles. According to the experts in the docuseries, Mishcon gave the notes of his meeting with Diana to the London’s Metropolitan Police commissioner at the time, Sir Paul Condon. It wasn’t until after Condon’s successor, John Stevens, assumed the commissioner role that the public found out about the note, as Condon had locked it away in a safe. “When the coroner announced his inquest, I made sure that letter was immediately given to the royal coroner, who at that time was Michael Burgess and then subsequently became Lord Justice Scott Baker,” Lord Stevens told Daily Beast. “I saw Lord Mishcon about a month before he died, in about the spring of 2005, and he held course to the fact that he thought [Diana] was paranoid, and he hadn’t held much credence to [the note].” Image credits: Getty Images

Camping tragedy as parents and 6-year-old girl killed

A nine-year-old boy who was camping at an Iowa state park in the US with his parents and six-year-old sister has survived a shooting that killed the rest of his family. The Iowa Department of Public Safety identified the victims as Tyler Schmidt, 42; his 42-year-old wife, Sarah Schmidt; and their daughter, Lula Schmidt, all of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their bodies were found in their tent early Friday at the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, about 290 kilometres east of Des Moines. Authorities said the suspected gunman, 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin, was found dead on Friday the 22nd of July, in a wooded area of the park with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety’s division of criminal investigation says that the motive for the attack was still unknown. “We don’t know what led up to this, what precipitated it,” he said, adding that so far, “the investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him.” Adam Morehouse, brother to the victim Sarah Schmidt, said the family had no connection to Sherwin and he believed it was a “completely random act.” Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green, who said he is a neighbour of the Schmidts, posted on Facebook on Friday the 22nd of July saying that the couple's nine-year-old son, Arlo, “survived the attack, and is safe.” The post did not say whether Arlo was in the tent or even at the campsite when the shootings happened, and the mayor says he doesn’t have those details. It was confirmed Arlo was on the family's camping trip, but said he didn't know the boys whereabouts at the time of the shooting. “He is with family and he is OK, but I have not had any interaction with him,” Morehouse said. “As far as I know, he was uninjured physically.” By the evening of Saturday the 23rd of July, more than $108,000 had flowed into a crowdfunding campaign created for Arlo. The page, organised by a cousin, Beth Shapiro, said: “Arlo is a strong boy, surrounded by family and friends who are supporting him as best we can.” The killings prompted the evacuation of the park and campground, including a children's summer camp. After the evacuations, Sherwin allegedly was the only person unaccounted for. He said that during the course of the investigation, authorities learned Sherwin was armed and “that of course heightened our awareness.” Iowa allows people with permits to carry firearms virtually anywhere in the state. Officials did not say if Sherwin had a permit and provided no information about the firearm used to kill the Schmidts. It was reported that Sherwin was from La Vista, Nebraska. Felicia Coe, 35, of Des Moines, was at the campground Friday morning with her boyfriend and his two sons, ages 11 and 16. She said the 16-year-old went out early to go running, and she was talking with someone at the park at about 6:30 am when two park rangers dressed in helmets, vests and carrying what looked like automatic rifles told them to leave the campground. More law enforcement and an ambulance showed up, at the time, Coe did not know what happened. But she recalls seeing a little boy standing near the paramedics. “He was in his pyjamas. I distinctly remember he had one blue tennis shoe,” she said. She later saw a picture of the Schmidt family online and said she recognised the boy she saw as Arlo. “He’s got this really cute, floppy-curly, moppy, strawberry-blond hair that’s really distinguishable,” Coe said. “He was in these super cute little pyjamas, like a cotton T-shirt and shorts that matched. ... He was just standing there. He wasn’t crying. He wasn’t distraught. But he also wasn’t being comforted. He was just standing there by himself.” The Schmidts moved to Cedar Falls in 2018 and had been active in the community ever since, according to Morehouse. Image: Schmidt and Morehead families / Facebook

News

Shinzo Abe dies after fatal shooting

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest running prime minister, has died in hospital after being shot in the neck. The 67-year-old was confirmed dead by Japan's public broadcaster, saying doctors art the Nara Medical University Hospital were unable to save him despite their best efforts. The former PM was rushed to hospital after being shot while giving a campaign speech, and was bleeding profusely when he arrived to the hospital. Shinzo sustained bullet wounds to the right side of his neck, with doctors saying he had no vital signs upon his arrival. Despite a blood transfusion, the doctors were unable to save Mr Abe as the injuries he sustained during the shooting where deep enough to reach his heart. One doctor said, "Because of the large amount of haemorrhage, it was not possible for us to stop the bleeding." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on Mr Abe's death, as he expressed his condolences for "one of Australia's closest friends". He said, "The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news. On behalf of the Australian Government and people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs Abe and to Mr Abe’s family and friends, and to the people of Japan." "He will be greatly missed." New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared a tribute to the leader, writing on Twitter, "So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan." "Events like this shake us all to the core." Japan's leader Fumio Kishida said the attack on Abe during an election campaign was an attack on “the very foundation of democracy”. “This barbaric, malicious act in the middle of an election cannot be tolerated,” he said. A 41-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the shooting. Image credits: Getty Images

News

Young boy caught in fatal game of hide and seek

A young boy in the US state of Georgia has died after a family game of hide and seek went terribly wrong, and he accidentally got himself awkwardly stuck between a washing machine and dryer. Emergency services rushed to the boy's grandparents’ home on Friday evening after the child, aged 9, became trapped. Tim Watkins, from the local Sheriff’s Office, said it is believed the little boy was trying to hide behind the appliances when he got stuck between them. After looking for him for about five to ten minutes, the family discovered him and immediately began performing CPR. Despite continued efforts, paramedics were unable to revive the boy. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. It is believed he may have died from positional asphyxiation. There was no trauma to the little boy’s body. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed no charges have been brought against the family. Local residents have expressed their shock at the tragic news, with many taking to social media to express their condolences. “How tragic! Praying that the family is able to find some kind of peace during these most unfortunate circumstances,” one woman wrote on Facebook. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Woman turns herself in after fatal attack on 87-year-old singing coach

A 26-year-old woman has turned herself in to police after admitting to attacking an 87-year-old woman, which led to her death. Lauren Pazienza shoved Barbara Maier Gustern before striking her on the back of the head in an unprompted attack on March 10th in New York City. The NYPD released a picture of the woman wanted for the attack, just days before Lauren turned herself in to authorities. Police identified Pazienza through video and her Metrocard, police sources said. Pazienza covered her face with her hair as she was led by detectives to a car for transport to criminal court, as she refused to answer reporters who asked her about the allegation she pushed Gustern. Following the brutal attack, Barbara was in critical condition until she died from her injuries on March 14th. “Today, at 11:15am, we have lost one of the brightest little flames to ever grace this world,” her grandson wrote on Gustern’s Facebook page. “I ask that you all give me a little time and space, but I want to make time for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about her final moments,” the post said. “Bobbob, I love you, you are and always will be my heart,” it said. “I love you all so much, I could not have made it through these past 5 days without all of your support.” Barbara Maier Gustern, who was a renowned vocal coach and tutored famous students including Blondie singer Debbie Harry, was walking around at night alone when the attack occurred. Her red-headed attacker then ran off, with police saying the attacker crossed the street before pushing Gustern, who suffered a fatal head injury. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig described it as a “disgusting, disgraceful law offence” committed against a “vulnerable elderly female who is doing nothing but walking down the streets of New York City”. Image credits: NYPD / Facebook

Travel Trouble

"We are back to zero": Family speak out after son’s fatal sting

A 14-year-old boy who was stung by a box jellyfish in Far North Queensland has died. Mark Angelo Ligmayo was stung on Saturday at Eimeo Beach in the Mackay region and was taken to Mackay Hospital in a critical condition. He went into cardiac arrest on the beach and succumbed to his injuries about an hour after he arrived at the hospital. A witness told the <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/eimeo-beach-teenager-suffers-reported-cardiac-arrest-after-jellyfish-sting/news-story/d91418b68df167610cd2ecf652b2b5c6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mercury</a> that she saw him make it to shore with an “unreadable expression on his face” and his legs “covered in tentacles”. The publication also reported that the screams erupted on the beach from parents calling for their children to get out of the water while others rushed to help him. “We were there as he exited the water, quickly after that he was semi-conscious,” Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club president Ross Gee told the outlet. “We had a defib on him the whole time, he never lost his pulse, there was shallow breathing. “We doused him with approximately 30 litres of vinegar, all the vinegar on the beach.” The beach has been closed until further notice and the public has been urged to stay out of the water. Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club shared their condolences for the family on Sunday, and thanked the members of the public who assisted their volunteer lifesavers in helping Mark Angelo. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Feimeo.slsc%2Fposts%2F3137194476599351&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="725" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Agnes Guinumtad, Mark Angelo’s mother, told <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/mackay-fatal-box-jellyfish-sting-parents-tribute-to-14yearold-boy/news-story/14d5421b775d48f88080528702a266e3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mercury</a> the family had been excited to spend the day at the beach together three months after she, Mark Angelo, and his sister joined her husband in starting a new life in Australia. Nick Guinumtad came to Australia nearly a decade ago, working as a boilermaker and taking every opportunity to visit his family in the Philippines, where they waited for visas to join him. After Covid delayed their reunion, they were reunited in December last year and began to settle in. “I could see my son’s face, and I could see the pain,” Mrs Guinumtad said of the moment she saw lifeguards and bystanders attempt to save her son’s life. “I kept praying and praying, I didn’t stop praying. I prayed that he would say something.” With the death of Mark Angelo, his family said they don’t know where to go from here. “We are back to zero,” Mr Guinumtad told the outlet. Mrs Guinumtad has expressed her wish to take her son’s body back to the Philippines so that her parents, who often raised him while she worked, can say a final goodbye. “I don’t know the process, I don’t even know where to start,” she said. The family has asked for anyone in the community who may know how to help to reach out and have started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-guinumtad-family-bring-their-son-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> to raise funds to take him home. They have also thanked the lifeguards and bystanders who worked so hard to save their son and others who cared for their daughter while they went with him to the hospital. Mark Angelo’s death marks the third fatal box jellyfish sting since 2006. Large box jellyfish - which are regarded as one of the world’s most venomous animals - have caused more than 70 fatalities in Australia, according to Queensland Health. “If you don’t have a protective suit and you know there could be stingers or jellyfish in the water, just don’t go in,” Queensland Health has previously <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/deadly-box-jellyfish-sting-kills-queensland-teen-near-mackay-c-5855865" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warned</a>. “It’s also important that people are familiar with resuscitation methods - early resuscitation after major stings from box jellies has saved lives in the past few years.” Image: Nic Guinumtad (Facebook)

Travel Trouble

Sad news after fatal Sydney shark victim identified

A devastated friend of Sydney shark attack victim Simon Nellist has revealed the 35-year-old British man’s wedding to the “girl of his dreams” had been delayed due to Covid before he was killed. The swimmer was mauled to death by a great white shark as he trained for a charity ocean swim, ahead of his planned wedding to Sydney’s Jessie Ho. He was only 150m away from the beach at Buchan Point, near Little Bay in Sydney, when the shark struck. This has been the first fatal attack in the area in nearly 60 years. The British expat’s remains were found in the water on Wednesday afternoon following the ordeal. The tragedy happened as the former Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman was due to marry the “girl of his dreams”. A close friend of Mr Nellist told The Sun: “Him and Jessie were due to get married last year but that got put off because of Covid. “It’s just horrendous. We spent most of yesterday just hoping and praying it wasn’t him. It’s still incredibly raw.” “Simon was amazing. That’s all there is to say really. He was just the best. “He was the nicest, kindest human. It is a huge loss.” The close friend of Mr Nellis revealed that Simon “fell in love” with Australia after going travelling around six years ago. He also claimed Simon was an “experienced swimmer who really knew the water”. “He was massively into wildlife and knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t daft. It’s just a freak accident. “Simon was doing his diving and he would send us the most amazing videos of the wildlife out there. He was so respectful of the wildlife. “He finished in the RAF about six years ago and he went travelling and then just fell in love with it out there. Then he fell in love with Jessie. Witnesses said they heard the victim yell out for help in desperation as the shark pounced just after 4:30 pm on Wednesday. The great white allegedly “attacked vertically” before dragging the man’s body out of the ocean. Expert Lawrence Chlebeck said that the ferocious shark probably mistook the swimmer, reportedly wearing a wetsuit, for a seal when it launched and attacked. The 35-year-old was a regular swimmer in the bay where the frenzy occurred, according to local MP Michael Daley. One of the swimmer’s heartbroken friends, Della Ross, told Seven News: “Everything that is connected to Simon is connected to the ocean. “He loved the water, he loved diving.” Images: Facebook

News

Horror details emerge after Sydney's first fatal shark attack in 60 years

Sydney’s first fatal shark attack in almost 60 years has left onlookers reeling.A man was killed at Little Bay Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs after he was attacked on Wednesday afternoon.In a <a href="https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news_article?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMTAwMTMzLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>, NSW Police said emergency services were called to the scene after receiving a report of the attack.The victim has not been formally identified and human remains were found in the water, with NSW Police confirming that DNA from the victim's remains was being used to help identify them.After witnessing the attack from just metres away, onlookers said the “big shark” came “out of nowhere” and attacked the man.“Out of nowhere we just heard like ‘Agh’ and something came up and, yeah, it was just a big shark in the air, totally airborne, hit the guy very, very quick,” one witness told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-shark-attack-witnesses-shocked-as-man-killed-metres-away/03322a55-187e-42af-9125-705ecad46b8f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>.“Came back down and we realised it was a shark attack on a swimmer. Just ten metres off the rocks. We couldn’t do anything about it.”Kris Linto, another witness, claimed the shark was about 4.5 metres long.“(The person) was swimming and a shark came and attacked (them) vertically,” Mr Linto said.“We heard a yell and turned around, it looked like a car had landed in the water, a big splash then the shark.“It was really bad.”<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/shark-attack-boat.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />The search for the shark which killed a man at a Sydney beach is resuming. Image: 9NewsThe search for the shark continues, as Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) volunteers assist police and officials from the Department of Primary Industries.“This is a terrible tragedy, the first fatal shark incident in Sydney for decades. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends,” SLSNSW President George Shales said.Steven Pearce, the organisation’s CEO, said the attack’s proximity to the rock shelf made it “particularly horrific” for witnesses.“We had our Life Savers helicopter on the scene within minutes,” he told Ben Fordham on 2GB.“When they arrived, there was nothing they could do.”The Department of Primary Industries has recently tagged several bull sharks near the area of the attack, but Mr Pearce said the species of the shark involved was still unknown.But, judging by witness reports, he said “it’s a huge shark”.“When we decide to go into the water, we have to remember it is their domain,” he said.“(But) what happened yesterday, it makes everyone sick just thinking about it.”Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the incident at a normally “calm”, family-friendly location has left the community in shock.“The coast is our community’s backyard,” he said.“Little Bay is normally such a calm, beautiful place enjoyed by families.“To lose someone to a shark attack like this is chilling. We are all in shock.“Our entire community’s hearts go out to the family of the victim.”Image: 9News

Travel Trouble

"Just shattering": Outpouring of grief after fatal primary school incident

At least five children have died after a jumping castle flew into the air at a primary school in Tasmania. The chaos unfolded around 10am on Thursday morning at the Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania. The jumping castle was lifted about 10 metres into the air when a strong gust of wind came. At the time of writing it was unclear how many children were on the jumping castle at the time, but there are reports of several critical injuries, as multiple ambulances and two rescue helicopters attended the scene. “A number of the children have been taken to hospital and some are in a critical condition,” Tasmanian Police Western District Commander Debbie Williams said during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. “This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the family and the wider school community, and also our first responders. There is no doubt this has been a very confronting and distressing scene.” During the press conference at the school, the Police commander confirmed that two children had passed away from the devastating incident – however, follow-up reports on Thursday evening placed the figures at five confirmed fatalities, all from year 5 and year 6 at the school. “Counselling is being made available to the families affected by this in the school community along with the first responders," she said When informed of the tragedy, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the incident was "just shattering". “It is just unthinkably heartbreaking. Young children on a fun day out, together with their families and it turns to such a horrific tragedy, at this time of year, it just breaks your heart,” he said. “And I just want to say, on behalf of all Australians – to the parents and families and friends, all who were there, to the other young children there and witnessing these events, I just pray you‘ll have great family around you and great friends and you can come through this horrific tragedy.” Image credits: ABC News

News

Fireman encounters worst nightmare at fatal crash

When Welsh fireman Adrian Smith responded to an emergency call on Sunday, he encountered every emergency worker’s worst nightmare. Mr Smith attended the scene of a triple-car pile-up to find his 21-year-old daughter Ella’s body being pulled from the wreckage. Ella had been driving home from the beach at Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire when the accident occurred, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15282074/fireman-horrific-crash-discovered-beautiful-daughter-dead/">The Sun reports</a>. Her 47-year-old father was on duty nearby when he was called out to the three-car crash, discovering that a car had smashed into the passenger side of the car Ella was in. The driver, along with a man and woman in another car, suffered serious injuries, but Ella died at the scene. “It must have been a complete nightmare for Adrian to find his own daughter was the victim,” a family friend said. “Ella was a lovely girl, they are a lovely family - everyone is in shock and totally devastated.” Hours after the accident, Mr Smith broke the news of his daughter’s passing by sharing a picture of him and her dancing together at a party when she was a little girl. “We are utterly devastated at losing our beloved Ella,” the family wrote in a statement released by local police. “She was a much-loved and caring daughter, sister and granddaughter. “She was a beautiful girl who will be missed by all.” Tributes flooded in for the young victim, who worked at a bakery. A friend described her as a “gorgeous person” while another said she was “the kindest soul you could ever meet”. “I loved every minute of speaking to you Ella, you never failed to make me laugh,” another friend said. Police have asked for any other drivers at the scene to share any dashcam footage from the incident, in an effort to find out more about the cause of the crash. Image: Facebook

Caring

Absolutely devastated: Man's punishment for 5-year-old turns fatal

A man has been arrested after his attempt to discipline his fiancé’s son took a turn for the worst. The soldier in the US state of Alabama was charged with reckless murder after he allegedly forced his girlfriend’s five-year-old son to get out of a car at night along a road. The young child died when he was struck by a vehicle. Army Sgt Bryan Starr, 35, went on to surrender himself to Russell County sheriffs after he was charged with 5-year-old Austin Birdseye’s death. Starr admitted to investigators that the boy began acting up in the car as they travelled on a highway near their home Sunday night. He went on to punish the boy by pulling his vehicle over into a church parking lot and making the boy stand outside in the rain. The child’s mother was not in the vehicle, he added. Starr lost sight of Austin but knew something was wrong when cars stopped in the middle of the road, as there the little boy had been struck by an oncoming Toyota Avalon. Sheriff Heath Taylor said the road was dark and the driver who struck him is not at fault, in a press conference on Monday. “We have their information and we’ve spoken to them and will speak to them again. But at this point, there’s no indication that they had any chance of not hitting the little guy,” Taylor said,<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/crime/article247505815.html" target="_blank"> as reported by the Ledger-Enquirer</a>. The child died in hospital and Starr was charged with murder because he showed reckless disregard for the child’s safety, police said. An online campaign that was created to raise funds for Austin’s death said the little boy often sang loud “at the top of his lungs” to songs but the sheriff says he still could not understand his would-have been stepfathers’ actions. “What do you say to that? What is your thought process when you tell a five-year-old to get out of the car on a rainy night, because they were being loud in the car?” he said. “It’s just heartbreaking.” The GoFundMe set up to support the family has far eclipsed its $5,000 target. “Austin was always the centre of any impromptu living room dance party, the wonderful little boy who would chat about almost anything and with anyone in the grocery store, was the one who knew all the words to every song,” the page says. “He was always loving and never let any opportunity pass him by to enjoy fun. We are absolutely devastated by Austin’s passing.”

Legal

"Justice for Chloe": Unbearable choice for grandfather accused of cruise ship fatal fall

A grandfather accused in the fatal fall of his granddaughter Chloe from an 11th storey window of a cruise ship pleaded guilty on Thursday to negligent homicide. Salvatore "Sam" Anello said that he wanted to help end "this nightmare" for his family. His 18-month-old granddaughter Chloe slipped from his grip and fell 46 metres from an open window on a Royal Caribbean Cruises' Freedom of the Seas ship in July 2019 as the ship docked in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico prosecutor Laura Hernandez said Anello would be sentenced on December 10th. “We have found justice for Chloe,” she said. A representative for Anello’s attorney, Michael Winkleman, said in a statement to America’s NBC TODAY that Anello will not serve any jail time and will serve his probation in Indiana. “This decision was an incredibly difficult one for Sam and the family, but because the plea agreement includes no jail time and no admission of facts, it was decided the plea deal is in the best interests of the family so that they can close this horrible chapter and turn their focus to mourning Chloe and fighting for cruise passenger safety by raising awareness about the need for all common carriers to adhere to window fall prevention laws designed to protect children from falling from windows,” Winkleman said in a statement. Winkleman also added that the family would continue its civil suit against Royal Caribbean with the goal of discovering why the window was allowed to be open. Anello, 51, said that he did not know that the window in the children's play area was open. “I wasn’t drinking and I wasn’t dangling her out of a window,” he said in a previous statement. He said he is colourblind and might not have realized the tinted window was open. “We will continue the fight for justice for Chloe and to hold Royal Caribbean accountable for its brazen failure to follow the standards designed precisely to prevent children from falling out of windows,” Winkleman said in his statement.

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"We are back to zero": Family speak out after son’s fatal sting

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"Just shattering": Outpouring of grief after fatal primary school incident

Fireman encounters worst nightmare at fatal crash

Absolutely devastated: Man's punishment for 5-year-old turns fatal

"Justice for Chloe": Unbearable choice for grandfather accused of cruise ship fatal fall

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Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

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Keep up to date

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Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

Tragic final photo of newlyweds moments before fatal crash

Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter over fatal Rust shooting

Paramedic who attended fatal accident did not realise it was her own daughter

Man faces court after one-punch attack kills world champion surfer

Chilling note reveals Princess Diana may have predicted her fatal car crash

Camping tragedy as parents and 6-year-old girl killed

Shinzo Abe dies after fatal shooting

Young boy caught in fatal game of hide and seek

Woman turns herself in after fatal attack on 87-year-old singing coach

"We are back to zero": Family speak out after son’s fatal sting

Sad news after fatal Sydney shark victim identified

Horror details emerge ﻿after Sydney's first fatal shark attack in 60 years

"Just shattering": Outpouring of grief after fatal primary school incident

Fireman encounters worst nightmare at fatal crash

Absolutely devastated: Man's punishment for 5-year-old turns fatal

"Justice for Chloe": Unbearable choice for grandfather accused of cruise ship fatal fall

Horror details emerge after Sydney's first fatal shark attack in 60 years