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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

Grandmother arrested after two boys found dead

A regional New South Wales community is in mourning after the bodies of two young boys, aged six and seven, were discovered in a home in Coonabarabran on Monday afternoon. Police were called to the property at around 2:00pm following reports of welfare concerns. Upon arrival, officers from the Orana Mid-Western Police District found the children deceased inside the home. A 66-year-old woman, who is known to the children, was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for assessment. She remains there under police guard. Authorities have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the public. A crime scene has been established at the residence, and an investigation is underway. Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are assisting local police as part of Strike Force Darnum, which has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Earlier police reports indicated the children were aged eight and 10, but they later confirmed the correct ages as six and seven. The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Coonabarabran community and beyond. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences, describing the situation as "heartbreaking". “What has occurred is terrible and, as a state, we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” Minns said in a statement. “I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers. I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event.” The investigation continues, with police urging the public to allow space for the family and the community to grieve. Images: 9News

Legal

Beloved Aussie athlete found dead at just 19

A tragic loss has shaken the Australian sports community following the discovery of 19-year-old triathlete Audrey Griffin’s body in a New South Wales creek. Griffin, a beloved athlete from the Central Coast, was found partially submerged in Erina Creek on March 23 - a discovery that came just weeks after she had competed in the ANZCO Foods Half Ironman event in Taupo, New Zealand. NSW Police confirmed Griffin’s body was located between the Punt Bridge and Pateman Road in Green Point, near Gosford. She was last seen at around 2am at the Gosford Hotel on Sunday morning, with her disappearance reported later that day. Authorities then found her body at around 5pm. A police spokesperson stated, “Following inquiries, police attended a creek along the Central Coast Highway, where they located the body of the woman in the water. A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the incident are underway by officers attached to the Brisbane Water Police District. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.” Reports indicate that Griffin was fully clothed when found, and a preliminary autopsy has listed drowning as the cause of death. Despite initial concerns, The Central Coast Express Advocate reported that her family was informed that her death is not being treated as suspicious. Griffin was an active member of the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club and a former vice-captain of Central Coast Sports College. However, her passion for triathlons stood out, with Seven News reporting that she completed the Half Ironman on March 1 in a time of 6:40:32, securing 23rd place in her age group. A makeshift memorial has been established near the creek, with flowers and messages of love from those who knew her. Friends and loved ones took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. One person wrote, “A beautiful girl and treasured by a lot of people! Always had a smile on her face. We will miss you. Rest peacefully.” Another friend posted, “She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile. Her laugh was contagious, and her goofy self always made us laugh.” As the investigation continues, the local community remains in mourning over the tragic loss of a young athlete with a promising future. Images: Facebook

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Couple forced to sit next to dead passenger on international flight

A couple has recalled the distressing moment they were forced to sit next to a dead passenger on an international flight. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were en route from Melbourne to Venice with Qatar Airlines, via the city of Doha, when a female passenger died mid-flight. The crew decided to put the dead passenger's body in Ring and Colin's row for the remaining four hours of the flight, which the couple said left them traumatised. The incident unfolded when a woman walked out of the bathroom and collapsed next to their row. "Unfortunately the lady couldn't be saved, which was pretty heartbreaking to watch," Ring told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/couple-forced-to-sit-next-to-corpse-for-hours-on-flight/24d51b24-9a7f-4e6c-be04-ec2dbf6df1c4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "They tried to wheel her up towards business class, but she was quite a large lady and they couldn't get her through the aisle." "They looked a bit frustrated, then they just looked at me and saw seats were available beside me, my wife was on the other side, we were in a row of four." "They said, 'Can you move over please?' and I just said, 'Yes no problem'. Then they placed the lady in the chair I was in." The couple claims cabin crew did not offer them a different seat to move to, with a passenger in the row behind them instead offering a spare seat to nervous-flyer Colin. "There were a few spare seats I could see around us," Ring said. Ring spent the remaining hours of the flight in the same row as the corpse, saying he was told to stay seated after the plane landed as medical crews took off blankets covering the body. "I can't believe they told us to stay … it wasn't nice," he said. The couple said they have not been offered any support from Qatar Airways, with Ring saying, "They have a duty of care towards their customers as well as their staff, we should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counselling." "I don't really know how I feel and would like to speak to somebody to make sure I'm alright." Colin said the pair was now trying to make the best of their Italian holiday of a lifetime after the disturbing flight. "I'm trying to make the best of a pretty hard situation, but, you know, we're on holidays so we're really trying to have a good time," she said. Since A Current Affair spoke to the couple, Qatar Airways says it is looking into the situation. Image credits: A Current Affair

Travel Trouble

One dead, five injured after rock star's private jet crashes on runway

A private jet owned by Vince Neil, the lead singer of legendary rock band Motley Crue, has crashed on the runway at Scottsdale Municipal Airport in Arizona, leaving one person dead and several others injured. The Learjet 35A veered off the runway upon landing at approximately 2:45pm local time on Monday, colliding with a parked Gulfstream G200 business jet. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Neil, 64, was not on board at the time of the accident. However, his girlfriend, Rain Andreani, and her friend, Ashley, were both passengers. Both women were hospitalised, with Andreani reportedly suffering five broken ribs. Their pet dogs, also on board, were unharmed. A statement from Neil’s legal representatives confirmed the details of the incident, and said that their “thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and (Neil) is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today.” Scottsdale Fire Department officials said five people were involved in the crash, with two critically injured and another in stable condition. One passenger remained trapped in the wreckage as rescue crews worked to extract them. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading an investigation into the crash. Airport officials stated that a failure in one of the Learjet’s landing gears may have contributed to the accident, and the airport remains temporarily closed while authorities assess the scene. Images circulating on social media show the wreckage of both aircraft on the tarmac, with emergency responders at the site. Further details, including the identity of the deceased, remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Images: Instagram | TikTok

Travel Trouble

Officer found dead at police station

A senior constable has been found dead inside the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills, shocking colleagues and prompting a critical incident investigation. The 52-year-old officer’s body was discovered early Monday morning at the station on Goulburn Street. According to a police statement, initial inquiries indicate the death is not suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. “This is a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” the statement read. “A critical incident investigation is underway.” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station on Monday to support grieving colleagues and pay respects to the fallen officer. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family,” Commissioner Webb said. “Every support will be made available for staff and family impacted by this tragedy.” The circumstances surrounding the officer’s death remain under investigation. Authorities have not released further details, citing respect for the officer’s family and the ongoing inquiry. Images: Facebook

Legal

Aussie TV and theatre legend found dead at age 67

Australian TV and theatre legend Nicholas Eadie has died at the age of 67. Eadie, who was known for his work on multiple shows, including Cop Shop and Underbelly, died in Sydney on Wednesday, with his friend and fellow actor Will Conyers confirming the sad news in a social media post. “Vale, Nicholas Eadie, 1958 – 2025,” he wrote. “I send my deepest sympathy to all those that were touched by this very special artist and human being.” According to the Daily Mail, Eadie's body was found at his home, although no cause of death has been given. Many of Eadie’s industry colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to him following the news of his passing. Actor Rhys Muldoon, who worked with Eadie a “number of times” wrote that he was “shocked” at the news, describing him as “a great actor” and “one of life’s best scallywags”. Toby Schmitz, who appeared in Underbelly alongside Eadie, also paid tribute to him on X. “Bon voyage Nicholas Eadie. An actor thrumming with savvy truth, dangerous wit; a thrilling artist,” he posted. Theatre manager Les Solomon spoke of his devastation at the loss of the “magnificent” Eadie, describing him as “one of Australia’s finest actors”. Eadie’s career began shortly after his graduation from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney in 1980. He landed the role of Constable Sam Phillips on Channel Seven’s Cop Shop, and stayed on the series for two years. Across the following decades, he appeared in many well-known Australian film and television productions, including A Country Practice, Return to Snowy River, Halifax FP and Vietnam, which he starred in alongside Nicole Kidman. Eadie was also a successful theatre actor, starring in A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Taming of the Shrew, among many others. Image credits: IMBD / news.com.au

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Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has been found dead at the age of 39. The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home, with news of his sudden passing prompting tributes from his heartbroken co-stars. Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, wrote on Instagram, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.” The actor moved to the US from Spain when he was a child, and went on to pursue a career in acting and modelling. He starred on Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011, before also going on to enjoy roles in projects like 2013 movie Behind the Candelabra, CW show Jane the Virgin, and US soap The Bold and The Beautiful in 2017. “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day,” tweeted Journalist Michael Fairman. Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one posting, “So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten.” Image credits: NBC/AFF-USA/Shutterstock Editorial

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12 dead in mass poisoning at ski resort

The bodies of 12 people have been found dead in a luxury ski resort in Georgia after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The bodies of 11 Indian nationals and one Georgian national were discovered on Saturday at a ski resort in Gudauri, in the north of the Caucasus country, according to local police. Authorities confirmed that “preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies,” which were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian food restaurant at the ski resort. “An oil-powered generator was turned on after the building lost electricity” on Friday, police said, which is believed to be the source of the poisoning. The identities of the victims were not immediately released but they are presumed to be employees of the restaurant, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry. The deaths are being treated as negligent manslaughter, as autopsies have been ordered to determine the actual cause of death, while authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. The Indian Embassy in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi said it was "committed to providing all possible support" to the bereaved families and that it was working to repatriate the bodies of the 11 Indian nationals. Gudauri, lodged high up in the Caucasus Mountains close to the border with Russia, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, offering a cheaper alternative to Europe's main resorts in the Alps. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

"Gone too soon": Mother's heartbreaking tribute after son found dead in Bali

A distraught mother has paid tribute to her teenage son who was tragically found dead in a pool while on holiday in Bali. Aston Looker, an 18-year-old model from Sydney, was found unresponsive by an unknown resident in a swimming pool at a residential complex on the popular Indonesian island. While Mr Looker's cause of death has not been released, the teenager's heartbroken mother, Sydney designer Amanda Lennon, paid tribute to her son in an emotional Instagram post. She said she misses her son “every day, every hour, every minute and every second,” and that he is in the “arms of angels now”. “My supermodel son is in heaven we love you forever,” Ms Lennon wrote online. “We love your cheeky personality and amazing looks but most of all you humour." “Your mum will never ever forget you my favourite person in the universe. Aston you are gone too soon and mourning your death that was too soon.” In a statement sent to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/sydney-teenager-aston-looker-found-dead-in-pool-in-bali/news-story/969d3b237d272ceac62da0127642adf0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Mr Looker’s death, which occurred in August. “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Bali,” the statement read. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family.” Family friend Victoria Montano posted about the death of Mr Looker, saying the 18-year-old was “one taken too soon”. She wrote in a tribute posted to Instagram, “The juxtaposition of Aston's masculinity and vulnerability was capped off by his mother Amanda’s favourite thing about him. A finely tuned perfectly timed sense of humour. The ability to be witty and humble all at once. Not many could make you laugh like this young man.” Image credits: Instagram <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">

Travel Trouble

Grave cleaning videos are going viral on TikTok. Are they honouring the dead, or exploiting them?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/edith-jennifer-hill-1018412">Edith Jennifer Hill</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marina-deller-947925">Marina Deller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> Cleaning the graves of strangers is the latest content trend taking over TikTok. But as millions tune in to watch the videos, it’s becoming clear not all of them are created equal. Two grave-cleaning creators in particular seem to reside at opposite ends of the trend. One of the first accounts to gain popularity for grave cleaning was <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ladytaphos">@ladytaphos</a>. This account is run by Alicia Williams, a Virginia resident who treats the graves with great dignity. Williams will often share the story of the person residing within, and acts with grace and kindness as she restores beauty to the <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ladytaphos/video/7197894295641148714">graves</a>. On the other end of the spectrum is Kaeli Mae McEwen, or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@_the_clean_girl">@the_clean_girl</a>, who leans into more clickbait-y tactics. McEwen is known for throwing a pink spiky ball through a graveyard and cleaning the grave it lands on. She also uses her videos to promote her own pink foamy cleaner (which at one point could be purchased via a link in her bio). <h2>Cleaning and death</h2> While Williams’ and McEwen’s videos may seem novel to some, death and cleaning have a long and varied relationship that spans time and cultures. Washing a loved one’s body before burial or cremation isn’t just practical – it’s a significant <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/washing-and-dressing-our-dead-the-movement-challenging-how-we-grieve-20230510-p5d794.html">ritual</a> that provides meaning during a period of grief. In certain cultures and religions it’s also a process of purification, or preparation for the afterlife. Much has been written about cleaning and clearing out the homes of deceased people. Family members often won’t agree on how to approach such a task. In his <a href="https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-grief-and-things-of-stone-wood-and-wool-136721">essay on death and objects</a>, author Tony Birch writes about his mother clearing out his grandmother’s house. “My mother decided that our first task after her death was to empty out her Housing Commission flat and scrub it clean,” Birch writes. He first laments the move, but later recognises the value of cleaning together before sorting – and treasuring – the items his grandmother left behind. Margaretta Magnuson’s 2017 book, <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Gentle_Art_of_Swedish_Death_Cleaning/uW00DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT7&printsec=frontcover">The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning</a>, is a humorous and thoughtful introduction to the Swedish movement of döstädning. The book (and subsequent <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/the-gentle-art-of-swedish-death-cleaning">reality TV series</a>) has sparked various conversations on death and cleaning, and especially on cleaning before you yourself pass away so you don’t leave a mess for your loved ones. Grave cleaning can be seen as another continuation of caring for the deceased. People who decide to clean the graves of strangers may do so out of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/04/how-gravetok-videos-of-cleaning-headstones-went-viral">respect</a>, or in an attempt to <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexalisitza/tiktok-woman-cleans-old-gravestones">give them “their name back”</a> (as names on graves become visible following the removal of debris). <h2>Two very different approaches</h2> Williams and McEwen are received quite differently by viewers. Anecdotally, viewers respond more positively to the calmer and more respectful cleaning videos by Williams, who takes time to explain the process while ensuring the correct products are used. Meanwhile, many find McEwen’s videos problematic and criticise her for not adhering to proper graveyard decorum. McEwen makes a spectacle of sites of mourning, such as by pretending to vacuum graves, replacing flowers placed by others and making jokes. Viewers also speculate the products she uses may cause damage to the graves. Perceived intent plays a role in how each creator’s content is received. While Williams focuses on respectfully restoring graves to their former glory, McEwen positions herself as the focus and merely uses the graves for content. <h2>A complex emotional object</h2> Similar to other funerary objects such as coffins and urns, graves are associated with both the person who died and the fact of their death. As such, they are emotionally complex objects that bring both strength and sadness to those left behind. But graves are unique also in that they are private objects of grief exposed in a public context. Anyone visiting the graveyard can view and interact with them. Does that make them “fair game” for content creators? Graves don’t just represent deceased loved ones. They can also act as stand-ins in their absence, becoming stone bodies of sorts. As sociologist Margaret Gibson describes in her book <a href="https://www.mup.com.au/books/objects-of-the-dead-paperback-softback">Objects of the Dead: Mourning and Memory in Everyday Life</a>, “death reconstructs our experience of objects”. “There is the strangeness of realising that things have outlived persons, and, in this regard, the materiality of things is shown to be more permanent than the materiality of the body,” she says. Caring for and cleaning graves can therefore be interpreted as caring for the deceased, by extending their existence through the materiality of their resting place. Psychological researcher <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1600910X.2018.1521339">Svend Brinkmann asserts</a> artefacts such as graves are “culturally sanctioned”, gaining “significance from a collective system of meaning”. In other words, we as a community create and uphold reverence for such items. This is partly why the desecration of graves is viewed as abhorrent. It is societally understood to be a desecration of the person themselves. It’s also why content creators must tread lightly. <h2>A reason for haunting?</h2> There are ways to interact with gravestones (and even create content) which acknowledge their complexity and connection to their owners. TikTok creator Rosie Grant (<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostlyarchive?lang=en">@ghostlyarchive</a>) bakes recipes found on headstones and records the process. She has even met with the families of the deceased <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/defining-dishes-ghostly-archive-tiktok-b2414122.html">to make the recipes together</a> and learn more about the people behind the engraving-worthy food. However, randomly cleaning the graves of strangers is fraught territory – and rife with potential privacy issues. It isn’t clear whether McEwen seeks permission from loved ones before cleaning graves, but contextually this seems unlikely. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKkOS2GjCxk">Recent discussions</a> have also uncovered questionable editing in her videos. Some graves in her before-and-after videos have been edited to appear cleaner and to have their structure altered. McEwen’s pink foaming cleaner also appears to be a blue cleaner edited to appear pink, raising even more questions about intent and responsibility. While McEwen claims to be “honouring” lives by cleaning “final resting places”, the consensus from viewers is her actions are dishonourable. As one host <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKkOS2GjCxk">commented on a in podcast</a> discussing McEwen cleaning a baby’s grave while speaking in a kiddish voice: “F**k you, you’re going to get haunted.”<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/240553/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/edith-jennifer-hill-1018412">Edith Jennifer Hill</a>, Associate Lecturer, Learning & Teaching Innovation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marina-deller-947925">Marina Deller</a>, Casual Academic, Creative Writing and English Literature, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/grave-cleaning-videos-are-going-viral-on-tiktok-are-they-honouring-the-dead-or-exploiting-them-240553">original article</a>. </div>

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Legendary Australian photographer found dead

Legendary Australian news photographer John Grainger has been found dead in Sydney's northern beaches, just days after he went missing. In a statement from the NSW Police Force, they said that Mr Grainger's body was discovered in Elanora Heights on Wednesday morning, after being reported missing on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Grainger's death is not being treated as suspicious. He was 64. Grainger's extensive career in the media spanned more than 30 years, starting with his photography work in the mid 1980s and building into an impressive portfolio of covering news events. Over the years, his work earned him numerous accolades, including a 2018 Walkley Award for his famous photo for The Daily Telegraph that confirmed Vikki Campion was pregnant with then Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's baby. Grainger was also a two-time Kennedy Award winner, with his most recent award being won for a candid photograph of newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his front porch. Grainger's passion for photography never wavered, even when the job put him in harm's way, as he said in an interview in 2023, "I was assaulted many times. I had to have police track people down. I was strangled once. Some people just see red, and that’s it – if you are in their way you’re it." While his career was spent taking breaking news photos, Grainger's love for photography extended beyond the headlines, as he turned his lens to nature photography in recent years, capturing stunning images of birds and the landscapes of Narrabeen, which he described as "one of the best photographic locations in Sydney". Image credits: Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade

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Father reveals alarming details after young model found dead in Sydney brewery

Savana Calvo, 27, was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragedy-as-young-model-dies-in-popular-brewery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> in the bathroom of Young Henry's brewery in Newtown, at around 11.30pm on Wednesday. As tributes pour in for the young model, her father, Daniel Paul Calvo has revealed that she allegedly received death threats in the week prior to her death. “As her father, I knew very well that she was being harassed and stalked, and I tried to intervene. Although we were very close, daughters only tell their parents so much,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “There’s more and more coming out, she was involved with some dodgy young guys, owed money, and leading up to last week she was getting multiple death threats.” The death threats that were allegedly sent to her will form part of an ongoing investigation into her death, NSW Police have confirmed. Friends and family have paid tribute to the fallen model, and started a GoFundMe page to cover her funeral costs. They said that “those who knew her best, knew that she went through some trying times." “She was a cherished daughter, sister and friend who brought so much love and light into all of our lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.” The fundraiser has since raised over $30,000 for the model. Images: Instagram/ Google Maps

Caring

Grief-stricken father breaks silence after sons found dead

The devastated father of the two young boys who were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/mother-arrested-after-two-boys-found-dead-in-blue-mountains-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> in their home in the Blue Mountains has spoken out about the "unimaginable" tragedy. Nick Smith found the bodies of his sons, Russell, 11, and Ben, 9, in their home in Faulconbridge on Tuesday afternoon. The children's mother and Nick's estranged ex-wife Trish Smith was arrested and spent Tuesday night under police guard in hospital, where she arrived in a stable condition but with self-inflicted wounds. Nick said the loss of their “beautiful boys” had caused “unimaginable pain and distress”. “Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends,” he said in a statement on Thursday. “Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup." “We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.” Nick added they were requesting privacy at this time. Police are continuing their investigation into the tragedy and have refused to speculate on the events leading up to the deaths of the two boys, however, they confirmed hey are not looking for any other parties who could be involved. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed the community’s grief in a statement over the tragedy, writing, "Our community has lost two precious souls in the most awful circumstances. Now is a time to come together and remember these two beautiful children." <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the profound emotional toll the incident has had on law enforcement officers. "I think the older and more experience you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core. It’s a tragic situation," she said. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: NSW Police

Caring

Mother arrested after two boys found dead in Blue Mountains home

A mother has been arrested after the tragic discovery of her two sons, aged nine and 11, dead at their home in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The boys, Russell and Ben, were found by their father at the family's home in Faulconbridge shortly before 12:40pm. Their mother, Trish Smith, 42, was also found at the scene with several self-inflicted injuries. She has been taken to Westmead Hospital and is in a stable condition. No charges have been laid so far. Superintendent John Nelson of the Blue Mountains police confirmed that Mr Smith, the father, discovered the bodies and contacted authorities. "The father is helping us with inquiries, and he was the one who contacted police... all avenues are open for investigation," Nelson stated. While the police have not confirmed whether a weapon was involved, they are working to understand the sequence of events leading to the boys' deaths. The family, who had no prior history of domestic violence and minimal contact with the police, has left the community in shock. Superintendent Nelson said that the investigation is still in its early stages, and no speculation will be made at this time. The boys had attended school on Monday with no apparent issues, and authorities are now trying to trace their movements on Tuesday to piece together what might have happened. The nearby Springwood High School was involved in the emergency response as its oval was used as a helipad for medical evacuations. Homicide detectives from the State Crime Command have been assigned to the case, and police are continuing to speak with neighbours to uncover any possible motives. Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed the community’s grief in a statement: "Our community has lost two precious souls in the most awful circumstances. Now is a time to come together and remember these two beautiful children." NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the profound emotional toll the incident has had on law enforcement officers. "I think the older and more experience you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core. It’s a tragic situation," she said. Authorities have confirmed that no one else is being sought in connection with the deaths, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation continues as police work to understand the full circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org Image: Supplied

Legal

"Ding dong, the witch is dead": Daughter's scathing obituary for late mother

A woman has taken her last chance to call out her "terrorising" mother in a damning obituary. Florence “Flo” Harrelson, 65, died back in February, although her notice of death wasn't published until August 29th by her estranged daughter Christina Novak. The delay in the obituary came as a result of Novak not finding out about her mother's death until months after she passed. Novak noted in the obituary that her mother, a former U.S. Marine who served as a Maine prison guard, died “on Feb. 22, 2024, without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path.” Her daughter confirmed that Flo had been suffering from cancer but ultimately died of heart failure. She went on to say that it had been 10 years since she spoke to her estranged mother. “Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died,” reads the obituary. “That’s because even in death, she wanted those she terrorised to still be living in fear looking over their shoulders. So, this isn’t so much an obituary but more of a public service announcement.” She also shared the obit to Facebook, and punctuated it with a line from The Wizard of Oz, writing, “Ding dong, the witch is dead.” Novak told the <a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/08/30/central-maine/central-maine-culture/maine-wake-of-destruction-obituary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangor Daily News</a> she was “giggling to myself” while composing the obit, admitting she originally set out to write a traditional obituary, but kept drifting into sarcasm. Novak even considered listing the ways in which her mother wronged her relatives, before stopping short but saying the reaction to the obituary was “priceless.” Image credits: Facebook

Family & Pets

Five-time Olympian found dead at just 50

Five-time Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos has been found dead in a Las Vegas apartment at the age of 50. Chirinos, who represented Venezuela at five Olympic Games, was found after employees raised the alarm when she failed to show up for work. While an official cause of death is yet to be released, Venezuelan media have speculated that she died of asphyxiation on August 11th after a preliminary autopsy found solid food remains in her trachea. Larreal was the only Venezuelan athlete to ever compete in five Olympics, representing her country at Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and London 2012. Throughout her stellar cycling career, she won several gold medals at local and international events, and earned four Olympic diplomas, given to the top eight finalists in Olympic events. Chairman of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation Eliezer Rojas paid tribute to Larreal, saying she was “not only a champion in cycling but a symbol of perseverance, dedication and passion”. “With a career full of success, she inspired generations of cyclists and left a mark on every competition she participated in. Her legacy will endure in the history of Venezuelan cycling and her memory will live on in every pedal strike we take in her honour.” “Her unexpected departure leaves an irreparable void in the hearts of all of us who had the honour of knowing her and following her career.” Image credits: Martin Alipaz/EPA/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

"He's not dead!" Logies tribute to John Farnham divides viewers

A tribute to John Farnham at the 2024 TV Week Logies has divided audiences, with some saying the performance was a beautiful homage, while others believe it seemed like a eulogy for someone who isn't dead. On Sunday night, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy took to the Logies stage for the performance that had everyone on their feet. They were introduced by David Campbell, who recalled some of Farnham's impressive accolades. "He sold over six million albums, had a career that spanned 60 years and is one of the best live performers the world has ever seen," Campbell said. "We want to acknowledge John's wife Jill, his sons, Robert and James, and his close friend, Glenn Wheatley's wife Gaynor and their son, Tim Wheatley. But, most importantly tonight, it's about celebrating you, John. You are an Aussie icon. You are the voice, mate," he added. Sebastian and Mauboy then belted out You're The Voice with the help of Farnham's own band, as the screens behind them played a video of Farnham singing the song himself. <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/reel/C-zw3fjSJO9/?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/reel/C-zw3fjSJO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tommy 🧜🏾‍♂️🤴🏾 (@imtommyschroeter)</a> </div> </blockquote> While the performance was met with a round of applause from the Logies audience, others online found the tribute in poor taste, with many commenting on X that while John has been battling cancer, he hasn't died and the on stage accolades made it appear the star had passed. "I get John had a doco and had some health issues recently but he hasn't passed away. Also this would be better at the arias you know the music awards of Australia," wrote one viewer on X. "RIP John Farnham didn't know he passed," joked another, with someone else saying, "OMG FARNSY IS STILL ALIVE. This is not a eulogy." "Look. I get Farnsy is a national treasure, but he's not dead. Can we please stop acting like he's dead?" someone else posted. Others were happy with the tribute, with one person writing, "I think it's better to celebrate our amazingly talented icons whilst they're still alive!! We love you John." "Jessica Mauboy you are the voice!!! That was perfection," wrote another with one more chiming in, "It’s fitting to have Jess and Guy sing a John Farnham tribute." Image credits: Seven

Tragic new details emerge after three-time mayor found dead at just 45

Three-time Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter was found dead at her home on Tuesday, Now, her devastated mother Gaynor Morris has broken her silence and revealed that Carter was due to fly to Europe with her partner, Nikki Roy, but never made it to the airport. “She hadn’t made it to the airport to meet him for their holiday together,” Morris told the Herald Sun. “He (Roy) went and checked on her and he literally found her dead. “No-one knows anything different unfortunately.” She was treated by emergency services at her home in Maribyrnong, Victoria at 3:45pm on Tuesday but unfortunately could not be saved. Her cause of death is not yet known but Victoria police has confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious. Carter's mother said that Roy was “absolutely heartbroken”. “I think she sets a great example for everybody and there’s a lot of people that will miss her. I am very proud,” she added. Carter was a councillor on Maribyrnong Council, in Melbourne’s west, which covers suburbs including Footscray, Yarraville and Tottenham as well as Maribyrnong. She was first elected to office in 2008 and was the first woman who served as mayor of Maribyrnong three times. Many believed that her political career could go beyond council boundaries. “Children’s champion, community leader, Labor through and through. The best of us,” Former Labor leader and current minister Bill Shorten said in a tribute to Carter. “My thoughts are with her family and loved ones in this difficult time.” Labor MP Tim Watts added that her “energy was limitless”. “She had an impact on so many people’s lives. “She gave so much of herself and wanted to give so much more. She’s been taken from us far too soon. “It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country”. Images: Instagram

Caring

Missing couple found dead in stranded lifeboat

A couple have been found dead in a lifeboat after attempting to sail across the Atlantic ocean. The bodies of Brit Sarah Packwood and her Canadian husband Brett Clibbery washed up in a boat on a beach in Nova Scotia over a month after they left Canada in a 12.8m eco-friendly yacht. The couple were heading to the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. “Powered by the wind and sun. Heading east to the Azores. It’s probably the biggest adventure of our lives so far,” they said online, prior to their trip. Searches including by plane had been underway after the couple failed to arrive or communicate. Clibbery's son James announced the couple's deaths on Facebook. "There is still an investigation, as well as a DNA test to confirm, but with all the news, it is hard to remain hopeful," he wrote. "I am so very sorry to the people who were friends of them. "They were amazing people, and there isn't anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their, so far unexplained passing." It remains unclear how the couple got into trouble, but police in Halifax have launched an investigation into their deaths. One theory is that the small yacht was hit by a much larger ship. The couple had been living in Salt Spring Island in the southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, and were documenting their travel adventures on Facebook and YouTube. On June 10 they posted a video saying they were heading on a "new adventure" from their home in Saltspring Island, British Columbia to Dartmouth Yacht Club, Nova Scotia. "All being well, and weather permitting the Captain and I intend to set sail in the next day or two for an ocean crossing," Packwood said. They were both experienced sailors, and the last video they shared was of them leaving Halifax on June 12. In the video, taken aboard the yacht, Clibbery said they could see "one big ship on the horizon which came out from Halifax, so they're out of our way. We're sailing." Images: Facebook

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