A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia has passed away in a hospital only days after being tasered by police in a nursing home.
New South Wales Police confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement via News.com: “It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma tonight.
“Mrs Nowland passed away peacefully in the hospital just after 07:00 pm this evening, surrounded by family and loved ones who have requested privacy during this sad and difficult time.”
The statement continued: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with those who were lucky enough to know, love, and be loved by Mrs Nowland during a life she led hallmarked by family, kindness and community.”
It was on May 17 when Nowland was rushed to a hospital in Cooma after she was tasered by police.
Staff at the Yallambee Lodge Care Home reportedly called the police after Nowland was seen with a steak knife.”
The grandmother was left in critical condition after being tasered and hitting her head.
Speaking of the incident, Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter said: “We can’t talk too much specifically about the incident but generally we say (the Taser) is there as a piece of equipment to defend yourself when you think your life or someone else’s is in danger.
“At the time she was tasered she was approaching police. It is fair to say at a slow pace. She had a walking frame. But she had a knife. I can’t take it any further as to what was going through anyone’s mind when he used the Taser.”
Cotter also revealed that an officer discharged the taser when Clare tried to walk to the doorway where the police were.
“The injury that she suffered as a result of hitting her head on the floor has rendered her bedridden at the moment. She remains in and out of consciousness,” he said at that time.
Andrew Thaler, a friend of the family, said via CNN: “This woman couldn’t stand without a walking aid. She’s not that strong. She’s around 43 kilos (95 pounds) and 5-foot-2 (1.58 meters). This is an outrage.”
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