British Scientist David Goodall, 104, Dies At Swiss Suicide Clinic

The British scientist who chose to end his own-life has died at a Swiss 'suicide clinic' this morning.

Dr David Goodall, 104, was given a fatal overdose of a sleeping drug while listening to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the Mail Online reports.

A spokesperson from the clinic said he had 'gone in peace'.

Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914 and became a doctor in 1941. He spent most of his life in Australia, moving to take a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne in 1948 and settling in the country. He had arranged for his ashes to be flown back there following his death.

He arrived at the clinic at 11am this morning, after spending last night at a hotel where he tucked into a final meal of fish and chips and cheesecake. He had family and friends around him at the time of his death at 11.40am this morning.

His grandson Daniel Goodall, 30, told the MailOnline: "I feel very privileged that I will be able to be there when my grandfather passes away.

"He is so brave and I am so glad that he has been able to make his own choice.

"It is his wish that he can end his life, but such a shame that he was not allowed to do it in his own country."

A second grandson added: "I think what he is doing is incredibly brave. My grandfather has approached this as a completely rational way and not let any emotion get in the way.

"He wants to die and he wants to die on his own terms. The fact that he is doing this so publicly shows how brave he is."

The doctor was believed to be the world's oldest working scientist when he retired in 102.

He spoke openly about his decision to end his life in hopes it might lead to a change of the law in Australia. He told reporters that he believed people should be able to choose if they want to use drugs to help end their lives.

He said: "I wouldn't suggest that it's available to everyone, and just going and buying it off the shelf.

"I think there are plenty of people who might misuse that. But I would accept that it should be done by doctors' prescription - but they should be free to prescribe."

Source: MailOnline

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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