‘Home and Away’ Actress Jess Falkholt Dies 6 Days After Life Support Switched Off

‘Home and Away’ Actress Jess Falkholt Dies 6 Days After Life Support Switched Off
The Princess Highway in New South Wales, near the location where the Jess Falkholt was killed with her family.(Screenshot/GoogleMaps)
Jane Werrell
1/17/2018
Updated:
1/17/2018

‘Home and Away’ actress Jess Falkholt has died in hospital from serious injuries she sustained in a car crash that had already taken the lives of her mother, father and sister.

Her life support had been switched off on Thursday, Jan. 11, last week.

Falkholt died on Wednesday morning Jan. 17 local time, Sydney’s St George Hospital confirmed in a statement posted to Twitter.

“The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time,” the hospital said in the statement.

Falkholt, who played Hope Morrison in the television series, was the last survivor of the crash on Boxing Day.

Her parents Lars, 69 and Vivian, 60 were killed immediately in the collision and her sister, 21-year-old Annabelle, clung to life for three days before passing away on Dec. 29 in hospital.

Craig Whitall, the man driving the car that crashed into the Falkholt’s car also died. Australian media reported that Whitall had previously served time in jail for driving while unlicensed, and had more than 60 offences on his record.

NSW police said they are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, according to reports.

Channel Seven, producers of the show, said the “the entire Home and Away family is heartbroken.”

“Jessica’s shining talent was recognised and respected by all her cast mates and crew and her beautiful friendship treasured,” a spokesman said, according to the Telegraph. “We send our sincere condolences to her extended family and friends during this difficult time.”

“Farewell wonderful Jess” wrote Pia Miller, who starred in the soap, on Instagram.

Co-star James Stewart wrote on Twitter, “Such a beautiful and talented soul- taken so soon & so tragically. May you now rest in peace alongside Annabelle, Lars and Vivian.”

“Sending my deepest sympathy to the extended Falkholt family & friends.”

Family members spoke of their grief to the Daily Mail Australia.

“We’re all sad but she is with her family now. Her mum was her biggest supporter so I am sure she is in her arms,” a relative told the newspaper.

“It’s an odd feeling, we always knew it was going to happen but no matter what it’s a shock.”

Fans of the actress also shared their tributes on social media.

The actress had recently landed a role in the American film, “Harmony” that is due to be released this year.

Recommended Video:

Firefighter Going Over 100 mph Before Deadly Crash