- by Antoinette Radford
- bbc news
A 95-year-old woman who was tasered by police at an Australian nursing home, sparking a public outcry, has died.
Clare Nowland was seriously injured after police responded to reports that she was wandering into the house with a steak knife around 04:00 last Wednesday.
New South Wales (NSW) police said she died “surrounded by family and loved ones”.
The officer who attacked Ms. Nowland has been charged with assault.
The 33-year-old police officer will face court in early July on charges of recklessly causing grievous bodily injury, assault causing actual bodily injury and common assault.
He remains suspended from duty with pay while investigations continue.
Ms Nowland lived in a nursing home in the town of Cooma, about 71 miles (114 km) south of Canberra, the Australian capital.
NSW Police said their thoughts and condolences “remain with those lucky enough to know, love and be loved by Ms Nowland during a life marked by family, kindness and community.”
Last week, police said she was “armed” with a steak knife. On Friday, they confirmed that she needed a walker to get around, and the officer unloaded the Taser on her after she began to approach “at a slow pace.”
Ms Nowland is believed to have suffered a fractured skull and severe brain haemorrhage after falling and hitting her head during the incident.
It has prompted calls for a state parliamentary inquiry and the release of the police body camera image of the confrontation.
In a statement, Ms Nowland’s family said she was a “well-respected, well-loved and generous member of her local community” and the “loving and kind matriarch of the Nowland family”.
They have asked for privacy after his death.