Dying Wish: David Goodall Ends His Own Life Via Voluntary Euthanasia
The 104-year-old scientist died in Switzerland overnight.
What you need to know
- David Goodall ended his own life via voluntary euthanasia
- He is expected to be cremated in Switzerland where he died
- He hoped his case would encourage people to take a more open approach to euthanasia
Australia's oldest scientist David Goodall is expected to be cremated in Switzerland where he died from assisted suicide, aged 104.
Goodall took his own life on Thursday at a clinic near Basel, to the strains of Beethoven's final symphony and surrounded by family. He did not have a terminal illness but his quality of life had deteriorated in recent years.
He could not end his life in Australia, where assisted suicide is not legal, so he took a one-way ticket from Perth to France last week to see relatives before arriving in Switzerland, where it is permitted.
Philip Nitschke, founder of right-to-die group Exit International, said Goodall showed humour and a twinge of impatience in his final moments as formalities were tended to, uttering the last words: "This is taking a long time."
"During the paperwork he said, 'What are we waiting for?'" Nitschke told AAP.
"He'd been told that everything would be very quick and in some ways, there had been a few delays."
Nitschke said Goodall's death was peaceful.
He said it was very likely the esteemed ecologist would be cremated in Switzerland, with his ashes to remain in the country, while his family in Perth are expected to hold a memorial in coming months.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.