Ian von Memerty’s final moments before suicide revealed
Ian von Memerty's final moments before his death, via suicide, has been revealed by a member of his inner circle...
Ian von Memerty’s final moments before he took his life in a suicide act – he labelled “self-deliverance” – have been revealed by a member of his inner circle.
The TV and theatre personality died last month after advocating for the right for individuals to choose his own death.
The 61-year-old left behind an ex-wife and two children.
IAN VON MEMERTY’S FINAL MOMENTS
Speaking to TimesLive, Ian von Memerty’s former publicist Gail Jaffit Leibman shed light on his final days.
In the days and hours leading up to his suicide on 24 February, Ian sent out personalised emails and voicenotes saying his final goodbyes to his inner circle. In them, he offered support and encouragement to those he would leave behind.
He booked himself into a Johannesburg hotel without disclosing his plans his family. However, he alerted authorities to collect his body at 3am
His death was announced almost a week later by his family via his Facebook account, which has since been taken down. His Facebook and YouTube series Dying for a Better Life have also been deleted.
In the aftermath, many of Ian’s friends claimed that they did not agree with his decision, but offered him their support.
Images via Facebook
Gail said of the late TV and theatre star: “Ian wanted a five-star exit with applause. He was talented, young and healthy. Help was there, but he didn’t want it.
“Alternatively, he could have arranged for a situation where his healthy organs could have been harvested.
She added: “I’m so angry….What he did was absolute bullsh*t”.
Ian von Memerty’s ex-wife Vivienne and his two children, Oscar and Kasvia have not publicly commented on his death.
FINAL INTERVIEW
Speaking to Algoa FM in his final interview a week before his suicide, Ian von Memerty revealed that he had travelled to Switzerland to reunite with family.
Ian spent time with his ex-wife Vivienne, who lives in the UK, and his daughter Kasvia, who lives in Germany.
Speaking to the breakfast show, he revealed that he could not afford the €15 000 (R280 000) bill for assisted euthanasia in Switzerland.
He said: “If you are poor, you don’t have any options, you have no power”.
Ian added that his decision had brought him “peace, empowerment and joy” and had taken away the “fear of my future”.
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