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Beaconsfield Survivor Dies After Tragic Health Update
Todd Russell, one of two survivors of the 2006 Beaconsfield mine disaster, died at 54 on Monday night at his home surrounded by family and friends after battling leukemia.
Russell became a symbol of resilience after surviving 13 days buried alive following an April 2006 rockfall at the Beaconsfield Mine, where he and co-worker Brant Webb were trapped for 14 days.
After eight and a half months of hospital treatment, Russell left Launceston General Hospital last week to spend his final days at home, telling followers he had "nothing left to give."
His son Trent Russell said, "He fought an uphill battle, but like everything he did in life, his final moments were on his own terms." Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff also paid tribute.
Beyond the mine, Russell served as a volunteer firefighter for 31 years and worked as a motivational speaker, leaving behind his wife and three children.