Arabic version: تود راسل يخطط لقضاء أيامه الأخيرة في المنزل

According to ABC News, Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell will leave hospital after eight and a half months to “see out” his days at home with his family. Russell, 54, said years of pain, uncertainty, appointments, treatments and setbacks had left him with nothing more to give.

In a social-media post, Russell said there were “no further options” for him medically or physically and “no more fight left in me”. He said he would leave hospital the following day for the last time and be surrounded at home by his wife, children, loved ones and friends.

Russell was one of two miners trapped underground after a rockfall at the Beaconsfield gold mine in northern Tasmania on Anzac Day in 2006. He and co-worker Brant Webb were presumed dead after the body of third miner Larry Knight was found. The pair were discovered alive six days later, leading to a rescue operation that lasted another eight days. Russell survived 14 days underground.

In July 2024, it was announced that Russell had received “some unfortunate health news” and had been unwell. In October last year, he posted an image from hospital saying he had begun treatment for an undisclosed illness and hoped to return to his old self.

Russell thanked staff at Launceston General Hospital for their support, care and kindness during what he described as an incredibly difficult journey. Until recently, he had been active in his local community as a firefighter and motivational speaker, and had openly discussed mental health challenges following the Beaconsfield experience.