Tragic death of Deirdre Elliott - 1987 Mobil Song Quest Winner Sydney based New Zealand Mezzo-soprano Deirdre died after falling down some stairs at her sister's home. Deirdre never regained consciousness and died in Auckland Hospital.
Deirdre won the prestigious Mobil Song Quest judged that year by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She won further scholarships enabling her to study for two years at the Royal Northern Manchester. Deirdre lived for 11 years in the UK performing widely in Europe before moving to Sydney to join Opera Australia's permanent ensemble of singers.
http://slippedisc.com/2014/08/sad-news-early-death-of-an-opera-australia-mezzo/