Australian reporter Iain Finlay has died by euthanasia after a lengthy battle with a rare disease called amyloidosis. He was 89.
Finlay, a former journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, died Tuesday at his home in New South Wales, Australia. He was surrounded by Trish Clark, his partner of 60 years, and their children Zara and Sean, ABC reported.
The journalist’s organs had been severely damaged by the disease, which causes a buildup of amyloid proteins in the body. There is currently no known cure.
The day before his death, Finlay told the outlet that he began researching euthanasia years ago as a “sensible” option for him to move forward with.
Although he enrolled in a trial for amyloidosis, he ultimately turned to voluntary assisted dying after realizing the treatment had been unsuccessful.
“There is no doubt this is an effort to control aspects of dying, having it administered to you at a particular time when your family can be there,” he told the outlet.
“It’s going to be very traumatic for them, I suppose, even more than me.”
Clark, for her part, said that while she was “not looking forward to it all,” adding, “I hope I can still stand up tomorrow, and the day after.”
Following Finlay’s death on Tuesday, his son Sean shared a poignant tribute on social media.
“Today we farewelled a truly remarkable man, my father, Iain Murray McKenzie Finlay,” Sean wrote on Instagram.
“18 months ago my Pa, was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Amyloidosis — an incurable cardiac condition in which patients become increasingly breathless, ultimately leading to death.”
“For our father, the condition became progressively more intolerable and complex over the passing weeks and months, as it was accompanied by excruciating pain. Eventually, he could no longer stand or walk more than a few steps without gasping for breath,” he said, adding that “a decision was made” to look into voluntary assisted dying.
“Following three consultations with doctors, the procedure was approved, with medication scheduled to be administered Today, 6th May 2025,” he wrote.
“Before he left us he said how privileged he felt to be able to choose the way he wanted to leave at home surrounded by family,” he added.
Finlay began his journalism career in 1956, covering the Melbourne Olympic Games for United Press.
He went on to become the South-east Asia correspondent for ABC, during which time he worked on “This Day Tonight” for 8 years.
During his career as a reporter, Finlay interviewed stars like Ella Fitzgerald and Mohammed Ali, as well as 37th US president Richard Nixon.
Medically assisted dying took effect in New Zealand in 2021.
The euthanasia measure applies to adults who have terminal illnesses, are likely to die within six months, and are enduring “unbearable” suffering
Other countries that allow some form of euthanasia include The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Belgium and Colombia