Source : Perth Now news
One of the men who survived the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse in 2006 has died surrounded by family at home after years of ill health.
Todd Russell, 54, elected to leave hospital last week to see out his final days at home.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the death on Tuesday morning.
“Vale Todd Russell. Thoughts this morning are with Todd’s loved ones and everyone who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him,” Mr Rockliff said.
Mr Russell spent two weeks trapped inside a collapsed northern Tasmanian gold mine in 2006 and emerged in triumphant scenes following the disaster that killed miner Larry Knight.
Tasmanian MP Michael Ferguson said the loss was devastating.
“Devastating news overnight. I can’t find many words to offer right now. Mainly that I’m thankful for the life of Todd Russell,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Sending my deepest condolences to Todd’s family and all who loved him. We’re definitely the poorer for his passing. Rest in peace mate.”
Commenting online, people who knew Mr Russell commended the well-known figure.
“RIP wonderful man, you were a rock to your community and an incredible Fire Chief. Thank you for your service,” one person said.
“Rest easy Todd. Will always be remembered, a true legend,” said another.
“It was a real pleasure knowing you mate.
“A hero never forgotten,” the tributes continued.
The image of Mr Russell emerging from the mine shaft elevator alongside Brant Webb, and throwing his arms in the air with a huge smile and thumbs up, was a major moment in Australian news that was beamed around the world.
The rock collapse two weeks earlier had killed one of their co-workers, while 14 miners managed to escape.
In mid-2024, Mr Russell posted online that he had been unwell and had received “some unfortunate health news”. In October 2025, he posted that he was in hospital hoping to “get back to my old self”.
Last week, Mr Russell said online that he would be leaving hospital.
“I will leave hospital tomorrow after eight and a half months for the last time to see out my days in my own home surrounded by my wife, kids, loved ones and friends,” Mr Russell posted.
“After years of pain, uncertainty, appointments, treatments, setbacks, and endless battles plus the emotional exhaustion of having to pick myself up time and time again have left me with nothing left to give.
“The time has come, medically and physically, where there are no further options on either front for me, and there is no more fight left in me.”
Seventeen miners were underground on Anzac Day in 2006 when an earthquake triggered the mine collapse. Fourteen miners escaped, but three were unaccounted for.
The following day, the body of 44-year-old Mr Knight was discovered by a remote-controlled earthmover.
Mr Russell and Mr Webb were found four days later, trapped inside the cage of a digger.
Rescuers were forced to stop blasting rock for fear of another collapse and instead drilled a small hole to run a pipe to the men.
In the early hours of May 9, after 15 days trapped, the pair were freed. They were medically checked and had a shower underground, and an hour later they emerged on the surface.
Both men left Launceston General Hospital the next day to attend Mr Knight’s funeral.
More to come
