Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell dies aged 54

Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell has died at the age of 54, Australian news outlets reported. The Guardian, Daily Mail and ABC News Australia reported that Russell passed away following an illness after returning home from hospital. Daily Mail reported that Russell died at home on Monday night surrounded by family and friends, more than a year after being diagnosed with leukaemia. [1][2][3]

The Guardian and ABC News Australia both report that Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff led tributes on Tuesday morning, stating his thoughts were with Russell's loved ones and everyone who knew him. Fellow survivor Brant Webb also paid tribute, noting that what they went through together years ago would always connect them, ABC News Australia reported. Daily Mail reported that Russell's son, Trent Russell, stated his father fought an uphill battle and spent his final moments on his own terms. [1][2][3][4]

On 25 April 2006, a small earthquake triggered a rockfall at the Beaconsfield gold mine in Tasmania, killing miner Larry Knight and trapping Russell and Webb nearly one kilometre underground. Rescuers located the pair alive on the sixth day, and both men were freed on 9 May 2006 after spending two weeks underground. [1][2][10][11]

Before his death, Russell had spent eight and a half months in Launceston General Hospital, according to Daily Mail and ABC News Australia. Days prior to his passing, Russell posted on social media that he was returning home to see out his remaining days. [1][2][3]