Beaconsfield mining disaster survivor Todd Russell passes away at age 54

Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell dies at 54 after battling illness.

Todd Russell, who survived a dramatic underground entrapment in Tasmania two decades ago, has died at 54 following an illness. State leaders and community figures have expressed sorrow over his passing after he returned home recently to spend his final days with family.

• The backgroundTodd Russell and Brant Webb spent 14 days trapped 1 kilometer underground after a seismic tremor collapsed part of the Beaconsfield gold mine in 2006.
• The reactionTasmanian political leaders praised his resilience and enduring impact on the local community following news of his death.