Beaconsfield survivor Todd Russell dies aged 54

Todd Russell, one of two miners rescued after 14 days trapped underground in the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse, has died aged 54. His son, Trent Russell, said his father died at home on Monday night, surrounded by family and friends. The family’s announcement came as tributes were paid to the survivor in Tasmania and beyond.

In a social media post before his death, Russell said there were no further medical or physical options available to him and that he had no strength left to continue fighting. He had recently said he would leave hospital to spend his final days at home. The reports do not consistently identify his illness, and the diagnosis has not been independently confirmed in the accounts describing his death.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said his thoughts were with Russell’s loved ones and those who had known him. Russell’s son said his father spent six days at home with family and friends before he died. That account of his final days came from his son.

Russell and fellow miner Brant Webb were trapped when a rockfall struck the Beaconsfield gold mine in northern Tasmania on April 25, 2006. Miner Larry Knight died in the collapse, while 14 other workers escaped....