Twitter, my PA and life as sex worker

Tech-savvy... Social media is a key part of Grace Bellavue's business strategy. Picture: Instagram/gracebellavue Source: Supplied

• Sex workers marketing themselves on social media
• Clients want "real" people
• Sex worker tweets: "Today's plan. Gorge on scallops, few glasses of vino, float in a pool, get laid"

SHE starts the week just like any other high-flying businesswoman.

First thing Monday morning she checks her emails and calls her PA to make sense of her diary which is always overflowing. She then decides which clients are worth hopping on a plane for, and which ones she can deal with from her own city.

She dresses. Like any woman trying to cut it in a world dominated by men, she's got to look just right, not overdressed but not understated either. Her makeup takes the longest time.

Too much or too little can make all the difference.

Little things matter in her line of work. Her name is Grace Bellavue and she is a sex worker.

Grace Bellavue is one of the new breed of sex workers operating as self-contained businesswomen who market themselves through ads in traditional media, and also increasingly through social media.

Tweets posted by Grace Bellavue. Picture: Twitter

The 24-year-old started in the industry as a "parlour girl". That's industry talk for a woman who works in a legal brothel. But Adelaide-based Bellavue had the instincts of a businesswoman and the savvy to build a profile in an industry as competitive as any.

Her tools are her phone, her PA (a retired sex worker), her energy, her willingness to travel and above all, her sassy persona on Twitter.

Social media is where the real seduction begins, but not in the way you might imagine. This isn't about dirty talk or overtly saucy tweets. As Bellavue explains, a huge part of her appeal is her willingness to be herself in the raucous, 24/7 public forum that is social media.

"People want to have sex with a real person," she says. "When I am myself on Twitter, they tend to see me as more real rather than just tits and arse."

She's real, all right. Like most social media users, Bellavue's Twitter feed varies between the banal – like the weather or what she's eating or drinking – to the highly personal. And we mean highly personal.

Bellavue has over 7,000 Twitter followers, and says she would have seen hundreds of those followers as clients. Her followers are not only attracted by her real, uncensored personality on Twitter, but by the real, uncensored photos on her website.

"Putting your face out there definitely increases business," she says. "This industry has been very agency based for a long time. People generally don't like it when they order a 20 year old blonde and a 32 year old brunette rocks up at the door. That's why there's a trend towards more private operators."

It's not just privateers like Bellavue who are on Twitter. Escorts and sex workers across Australia are increasingly using social media as a tool to keep in touch rather than to attract business.

Rio is a Brisbane-based part-time sex worker with a full-time office job who prefers to do her two weekly shifts in the safety of a brothel. She is also active on Twitter, and admires Bellavue.

"She has definitely marketed herself well and that works well for independent escorts. If I considered going into that side of the industry I would market myself more on Twitter too," Rio says.

Rio uses her Twitter feed to keep in touch with other sex workers. Unlike Bellavue, Rio's life as a sex worker is a secret. A double life can be isolating. Social media is a way to share concerns, fears or just swap stories.

Back in Grace Bellavue's world, things are hotting up. Mondays and Tuesdays can be the busiest days of the week. That's when businessmen tend to travel.

The good news is they're not drunk like the last-minute Saturday night clients. But it makes it hard to find a spare minute to organise anything, like arranging a replacement credit card for the one she just lost. That's never a quick thing to sort out.

Bellavue charges up to $1,000 an hour for her services, depending whether you want the porn star experience or the girlfriend experience. Use your imagination if you're wondering what the difference is.

So is she making a decent living? That's none of our business. But we can say this. Like any businesswoman, Grace Bellavue has considerable expenses.

The travel and the taxis and the hotels are all factored into her hourly rate. But some things aren't like the condoms and lube, which she buys in bulk. Then there's the dry cleaning. This elegant, fast-talking entrepreneur spends over $200 a week at the dry cleaner's.

It's tough, expensive work with all sorts of dangers. But there are rewards. As Grace Bellavue tweeted yesterday.

"Today's plan. Gorge on scallops, salmon & prawns, few glasses of vino, float in a pool, sun bake, get laid. Better than brick making."

Continue the conversation on Twitter: @newscomauHQ @antsharwood @gracebellavue

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Shock jocks vs Aussie internet troll

Triple M's Grill Team managed to have a rough time interviewing Tristan Barker who is dubbed 'Australia's worst internet troll'.

Internet troll Tristan Barker singing with his dad Michael Barker in bottom right corner, on drums. Source: Supplied

INFAMOUS internet troll and cyber bully Tristan Barker was expecting a cushy ride on breakfast radio this morning.

But the heat got too much when he was questioned about his new found fame as Australia's most prolific internet troll.

Austereo's Triple M The Grill show invited Mr Barker on air to find out "if he is an internet troll, is he that bad or just a naughty boy".

Mr Barker, 18, confirmed he had been "a very, very naughty boy" but appeared uncomfortable with the suggestion that him spending hundreds of hours on the internet abusing everyone from celebrities to murder victims was a poor life choice.

One of the show's hosts asked Mr Barker why, with a "life in front of you", he would become a "troll of the highest order" and "pry upon those weaker than you".

But the interview lasted less than two minutes when Mr Barker objected to that claim, suggesting musicians like Nicki Minaj were not vulnerable.

"The only person weaker than me that I think I'm taking advantage of is you stupid breakfast jocks for giving me publicity," he said.

The interview then ended with one host questioning why he had made it on as an interviewee.

Mr Barker's personal Facebook page and the communal Facebeef, on the same social media network site, have enjoyed a massive increase in visitors since they were linked to the teenager over the weekend.

His pages today made international headlines when they were headlined on The Huffington Post.

The abrupt ending breakfast radio interview aired as Mr Barker's father Michael is facing the possibility of being dumped from this weekend's WOMADelaide music festival after publicly supporting his son.

Major WOMADelaide sponsors Coles and Coca-Cola Amatil announced yesterday they were meeting to decide whether support would continue given Mr Barker snr's scheduled appearance.

Are they Super XD Trollz, cyber-bullies or brats with brains? You decide if Nebz and Tristan from Facebeef have too much time on their hands.

New Zealand-based drummer Mr Barker snr, formerly of Split Enz and The John Butler Trio, is to performing at the event with his two-man blues and roots group The Swamp Thing at the four-day music festival starting Friday. The father and son duo have played together in previous performances of The Swamp Thing.

The 18-year-old, who lives with his father in Rotorua, New Zealand, has a reputation of posting questionable comments about celebrities, Muslims, murder victims such as Melbourne's Jill Meagher and emotionally unstable young people. His online following exceeds 350,000 computer users, mainly children. The brother of top Australian tennis player Marvin Barker, is wanted by Melbourne police for questioning.

Yesterday the teenager's father became engulfed in controversy after supporting his son's views, particularly about United States teenager Amanda Todd, who hanged herself in October 2012.

Following the suicide Mr Barker jnr posted online comments about Miss Todd, calling her "slutty", "attention seeking" and a "histrionic attention whore".

New Zealand born Tristan Barker is wanted by authorities in Australia over comments made on the internet. Picture: Kerry Grant/ Herald on Sunday NZ Source: Supplied

News Ltd spoke to Mr Barker snr about his son's comments and he defended him. "Was she? Was she slutty and attention seeking?"

Ruben Cunningham of anti-bullying organisation Angel's Goal called on WOMADelaide organisers to remove Mr Barker snr from the line-up.

"I am disgusted, this is disgraceful that he would question why a young girl killed herself when he doesn't even know her," Mr Cunningham said.

"He shouldn't be allowed to play at an event sponsored by government organisations."

WOMADelaide is supported by Adelaide City Council and the Government of South Australia.

A spokesman for South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill refused to say what the Arts Minister thought about the comments of the Barker family.

Outspoken cyber bulling crusader, celebrity Charlotte Dawson, said on Twitter: "I just don't think the comments are in line with the spirit of WOMAD."

Lifeline spokesman John Mendel said people affected by, or those who have considered suicide, "would be offended by these words".

"Whenever the suicide is made light of it can be hurtful and humiliating and cause catastrophic consequences," Mr Mendel said.

Ian Scobie, director of WOMADelaide's parent company, Arts Project Australia, said he was "vaguely aware" of the issue and had nothing to say.

Told that sponsors were meeting to discuss the appearance of The Swamp Thing and that the remarks had upset people, Mr Scobie responded: "That is good to hear."

Sponsors of WOMADelaide include Hills Cider, Coopers, Hilton Adelaide and Smeg.

The father and son have played onstage most recently in January at Rotorua's Okere Falls Festival as The Swamp Thing.

It is unclear whether Mr Barker jnr will travel to WOMADelaide but if he does police are likely to speak with him as he enters the country about the alleged sustained harassment of a female.

WOMADelaide's website says The Swamp Thing plays "gritty songs of love, loss, hope and salvation"; remarkably different to the diatribes posted online by Mr Barker and his friends.

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'I could have brought Mad Dog out'

Smoke can be seen billowing in Justin Ave, the scene of the Glenroy siege involving Antonio Loguancio. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

FUGITIVE rapist Antonio Logancio wanted to see the girlfriend he had bashed a week earlier as he held police at bay in a backyard bungalow.

But police – knowing Loguancio was armed with at least one firearm –  could not comply with the request.

Loguancio's assault of the girlfriend, with whom he lived in West Heidelberg, sparked the police search which ended in the stand-off in Justin Avenue, Glenroy.

A friend of Loguancio told the Herald Sun the fugitive had the girlfriend's mobile phone during the siege.

Victoria Police declined to comment on reports that friends of Loguancio told him not to surrender soon after it appeared he may have been ready to give up.

It has been reported they told him by one of several mobile telephones he was carrying that he would be shot if he emerged.

A policewoman guards the siege home in Justin Ave, Glenroy. Picture: Andrew Tauber

The Herald Sun has confirmed Loguancio told negotiators he feared he would be shot if he came outside.

Police had repeatedly assured him he was safe, both by phone and over a loud-hailer.

But the siege dragged on with Loguancio firing dozens of shots on Sunday afternoon in the period before the bungalow erupted in flames.

Earlier, a friend of Loguancio said he believed police should have handled the siege situation much better.

Mick Collett, a longtime mate, said his friend would have preferred to end the siege by taking his own life, rather than letting the police "take him in".

A neighbour who was made to stay in her property during the two-day seige speaks to the media this morning. Picture: Andrew Tauber

The siege ended after a volley of shots and billowing smoke marked the conclusion of Loguancio's eight days at large.

"The only thing I was very upset about, I wanted to go in. I wanted to talk to him. I know a hundred per cent I could have brought him out and they didn't listen to me," Mr Collett told 3AW.

"But I can understand their point too - he was armed and that's why they didn't let me in there."

The notorious rapist, holed up in a bungalow in a Glenroy backyard, kept surrounding armed police at bay for over 40 hours.

But about 2pm the siege escalated.

For sale: The siege home in Justin Ave, Glenroy is up for grabs. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Shots sounded out from the bungalow. Soon after, flames erupted and smoke billowed, as locals looked on.

Police and fire crews converged on the scene soon after. They discovered a body, believed to be that of the notorious rapist.

An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of Loguancio's death.

Forensic officers were examining the charred remains of the structure.

Loguancio had been on the run since February 23, when he bashed his partner at their West Heidelberg home.

Forensic officers begin to investigate the charred remains of the bungalow Antonio Loguancio spent his final hours. Picture: Jon Hargest

By Friday, he was hunkered down in the bungalow in Justin Ave.

In the hours before the gunshots rang out, police had tried to talk the fugitive into leaving the property, promising not to harm him.

"Come to the front door with nothing in your hands. Walk down the driveway and you will be met by police," a negotiator said through a loud hailer.

Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright said a coronial inquiry was under way. "Unfortunately we have now located the body of a man at the rear of the premise," he said.

"This is a tragedy. Our aim is to resolve with minimal injury and loss of life ... to protect the police members involved and the public."

Police have found a body in the bungalow involved in a siege in Melbourne today following a fire.

Mr Cartwright said the result was "not the outcome police had hoped for".

A local named "Darren" told 3AW this morning that the police sirens kept him and fellow residents awake all night.

"I think with the unfolding days ahead the impact it's had on them in their life, sleep-wise or any sort of trauma that may unfold we are yet to see I think," he said.

Sue Blake, who lives just three doors away, said she hadn't slept since the drama began on Friday night.

"I feel safe with the police around us but I feel scared." Locals were "normal everyday hardworking people".

A siege involving Antonio Loguancio has ended. Picture: Victoria Police

Loguancio's childhood friend Cindy Shaw said he was not as violent as he had been portrayed.

"He has always looked after me. I was like his little sister. He was always kind and we had a lot of fun. He could have his moments if he was stirred up, (but) he had a heart of gold. He looked after his family."

Police had called Loguancio a significant risk to the public.

The uncle of Loguancio's partner told Channel 9 the fugitive had beaten and tried to strangle her in last weekend's incident.

"How many chances do they get before they're put in jail?" he said.

The burnt bungalow where the body of Antonio Loguancio was believed to be found. Picture: Channel 10

- with Mark Buttler

The marathon standoff between a serial rapist and police in Melbourne's north has ended

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WA woman scammed, murdered in South Africa

VICTIM: Wagin woman, Jette Jacobs, 67, has been found dead in a South African villa after meeting her online lover. Source: PerthNow

NIGERIAN LOVE: Jesse Orowo Omokoh, a Nigerian man who seduced Ms Jacobs through an online dating website and persuaded her to send at least $80,000 to him over four years. Source: PerthNow

A WEST Australian woman who went to South Africa to find love has been found dead in her rented villa in a suspected romance scam.

The body of Jette Jacobs, 67, of Wagin, was found in her rented Johannesburg villa by police on February 9.

Ms Jacobs had travelled from Wagin, about 200km south-east of Perth, on November 22 last year to visit a Nigerian man she was having a relationship with on the internet.

Her death is being investigated by local police.

According to WA Police, it is the first such WA death as a consequence of an online scam.

Ms Jacobs, a widow with six grandchildren, lost her husband in 2002 and her subsequent partner in 2009.

She then met a man purporting to be "Jesse Orowo Omokoh" from Nigeria on a dating website and they had regular contact over a four year period.

Ms Jacobs had sent at least $80,000 to Nigeria during this time and met the man known as Jesse during a visit to Johannesburg in 2010 without incident.

During her last visit, Ms Jacobs was to meet Jesse for a second time but he said he could not get a visa to join her immediately.

A letter from Project Sunbird was sent to Ms Jacobs warning that she may be a victim of fraud, but it arrived shortly after she had left Australia.

Project Sunbird is a joint operation between WA Police and Consumer Protection that tracks large amounts of money being sent from WA to West African countries and attempts to warn the senders that they could be victims of relationship fraud.

WA Police and Ms Jacobs' son believe she may have died in suspicious circumstances, with her money, credit cards, jewellery, laptop computer and other personal items missing from the villa.

Detective Senior Constable Robert Martin from the Major Fraud Squad today said such scams had now revealed  "tragic consequences".

"We were hoping with our operation we would be able to prevent this from occurring," he said.

"Unfortunately with Ms Jacobs, she did receive a letter from our Operation Sunbird team, informing her of the dangers, however she had departed for South Africa prior to receiving the letter. Her friend had the letter sitting in the room when I went to visit, it was sitting on the table."

Const Martin said detectives had found an extensive paper trail showing the relationship stemmed back four years, with a number of emails between the two, including one where Ms Jacobs tells Jesse she is raising money for him – the money was meant to go to sick children.

"I am try as you know to raise the money and by the way you are the only one who know this ok," she wrote.

"I will never tell anybody what I am doing here foe (sic) you ok. That is betwin (sic) you and me ok."

"Thank you my sweet woman. Yes I know," Jesse replied.

Const Martin said the task force was now creating a database of scammers to see if Jesse had more WA victims.

Ms Jacobs' son, who did not want to be named, said her friends and family had tried to talk her out of going to South Africa, but she could not be swayed.

"Mum went over for a couple of months and did not return," he said.

"So as you can see, one consequence of the internet scammers has taken her life."

He urged others who find love on the internet to be cautious.

"Don't go, because at the end of the day, they are running a business or a scam or what they want to believe it is, to lure people to go to Africa, and no saying it's a one way ticket, but there's a possibility it's a one way ticket and no return," he said.

"If you do meet someone who is truly in love with you, money doesn't buy it."

WA ScamNet's top tips to avoid relationship fraud:

  *   Do not respond to out-of-the-blue social media messages from strangers requesting romance, such as a friend request on Facebook.
  *   Be on your guard if someone you meet on an online dating site asks you to take the conversation over to email or instant messaging.
  *   Be wary of overseas-based singles especially if they confess their love for you after a short amount of time or want to know about your financial status.
  *   Remember that just because someone shares personal photos does not mean the pictures are of them – scammers often steal other people's photos.
  *   Don't be fooled into thinking that talking to somebody on the phone means you know them and that they are who they say there are.
  *   Be concerned if a person refuses to chat real-time via a webcam and be mindful that even Skype is not scammer proof – watch out for pre-recorded videos.
  *   Alarm bells should ring if someone you do not know personally (have met face-to-face) requests money, particularly by a wire transfer service such as Western Union or even direct bank transfers, which could be going to an account set up with a stolen identity.

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Firearm fear in Mad Dog siege

Smoke can be seen billowing in Justin Ave, the scene of the Glenroy siege involving Antonio Loguancio. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: A MARATHON siege in Glenroy involving Antonio Loguancio has ended as Victoria Police confirm a body has been found in a bungalow where he was holed up.

Smoke was seen billowing from the property in Justin Ave after a series of loud bangs were heard just before 2pm.

Police will hold a press conference soon to reveal the outcome for Loguancio - but members of the homicide squad have arrived at the scene.

Police had earlier made demands over a loudspeaker for Loguancio to give himself up.

Sirens began blaring about 12.15pm, police asking over a loudspeaker: "Come to the front door with nothing in your hands. Walk down the driveway and you will be met by police."

Onlookers are descending on the scene with officers forced to tell several to move on.

Smoke can be seen billowing in Justin Ave. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Residents are being escorted in and out of their homes for safety.

Earlier, Superintendent Peter O'Neill said an exhausted Loguancio was fearful of returning to jail.

He said police were in regular contact with Loguancio, who had spoken to police over the phone as recently as about 7am.

A powerful police presence remains at the scene, which is still blocked off to the public, with the ambulance and fire brigade on standby as the standoff enters its third day.

The scene is now quiet after sirens were intermittently sounded throughout the night.

A siege involving convicted rapist Antonio Loguancio at a home in Melbourne is continuing.

Last night, police confirmed Loguancio was seen with something strapped to his body.

The 40-year-old was seen with the object when he approached the door about 3pm in his bungalow in a quiet street in Melbourne's north.

Loguancio was cornered by police at 7pm on Friday.

Childhood friend Cindy Shaw, at the scene, said:  "I tried to get a message through but they (police) just want him calm at the moment  - he's getting tired."

"I just want to get him to chill, come out hopefully, and all this can be over."

A firetruck at the scene where smoke can be seen billowing in Justin Ave. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Ms Shaw said Loguancio was misunderstood.

"He has always looked after me," she said. "I was like his little sister. He was always kind and we had a lot of fun."

Ms Shaw said everyone wanted the siege to end safely.

"I just want it to end," she said. "I want him to come out and just be safe. Everyone who cares about him wants him to just be all right."

Resident Sue Blake, who lives just three doors away from the siege house, said she hadn't slept since the drama began on Friday night.

Police spring into action after loud bangs were heard during the Glenroy siege. Picture: Mark Dadswell

"I feel safe with the police around us but I feel scared with the situation happening here," she said.

Ms Blake said she had heard police negotiators trying to talk Loguancio into surrendering.

"They are just trying to keep him calm and tell him to come out - it will be ok, it's solvable. I am very impressed."

Antonio Loguancio. Picture: Victoria Police

Police said he had not been given any food. It was unclear if he had slept since the standoff began.

Police were blowing a loud siren about 6 o'clock last night to keep Loguancio awake.

A robot was seen entering the property to assess the situation.

Victoria Police Superintendent Dean Stevenson said Loguancio was having mood swings.

Nearby residents come to watch the siege action in Glenroy yesterday. Picture: Chris Scott

"He did come out at some stage with something strapped to him, but we haven't been able to establish if that was a firearm or not," Supt Stevenson said.

"It was either on his arm or on his chest."

He did not confirm if police knew whether Loguancio had taken drugs.

Police wanted him to surrender peacefully and to take him to a police station, Supt Stevenson said.

"He will get an opportunity to see his family, opportunity to see a solicitor, to talk to a solicitor, an opportunity to talk to whoever he would like to talk to back at that police station," he said.

Nearby residents watch the siege action in Justin Ave, Glenroy, yesterday. Picture: Chris Scott

"We want to negotiate a peaceful resolution, we don't want anyone hurt out of this." Police have been pursuing Loguancio after an alleged assault on a woman a week ago.

Loguancio's best friend, Mick Collett, who was in regular phone contact with the fugitive, said Loguancio feared police would shoot him and did not want to go to jail.

Mr Collett said Loguancio was a night owl and had no intention of ending the siege.

"He just doesn't want to go to jail for something he didn't do - that's all it is," Mr Collett told the Sunday Herald Sun.

Loguancio's mother and sister were at the scene, but it was believed he had refused to speak to either of them.

Mr Collett said Loguancio should be enjoying a day at the Avalon Air Show with him instead of being under police siege.

John Lawrie, who described himself as Loguancio's 'surrogate brother', said he knows him as a lovable man and a big kid but has urged Loguancio to come out immediately.

''Just do yourself a favour...Just come out peacefully,''Mr Lawrie said.

Joe Greco, 54, whose Maude St property is directly behind the scene of the siege, said two armed Special Operations Group officers had jumped his fence on Friday night and continued to man the area.

"They explained they were police officers and said, 'Oh, this shouldn't be long' but then at about 10pm one of them told me it was confirmed he's got a shotgun," Mr Greco said.

"The whole neighbourhood has to be inconvenienced because of some actions.

"Out of all the places in Victoria this guy had to come and get held-up, it's at the back of mine."

Glenroy resident Craig Jackson, 49, said he wanted police to end the siege.

"They are playing to his every need and these poor people are trapped and can't leave their homes," he said.

On Thursday, police appealed for help finding Loguancio after he allegedly assaulted his partner and breached a court-imposed supervision order.

The assault happened five days earlier but police defended the decision not to go public sooner.

They believed Loguancio could be caught because he was a "creature of habit".

A man at the scene yesterday who claimed to know Loguancio said he wouldn't give up without a fight.

"I'm staying here to see what happens," he said. "It won't be pretty.

"He's not going back to jail, he told me that."

It is understood the man, who would not be named, had already been interviewed by police.

A friend said he hoped he could talk Loguancio out of doing something reckless.

- with  Anthony Dowsley, Erin Marie, Christopher Gillett 

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Show off: Juggler solves Rubik's cube

WATCH Stanford University mathematics student Ravi Fernando solve a Rubik's Cube while juggling. Source: Humans of Stanford

SOME people have all the talent.

"Sir Ravi the juggler," as he has been dubbed by his peers at Stanford University in the US more than lives up to his name.

The multi-talented student can solve a Rubik's Cube while juggling two hacky sacks.

He also talks at the same time.

This just feels like an uneven distribution of talent.

Watch the video above and feel totally inferior.
 

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Man 'swallowed' by sinkhole

A Florida man was feared dead Friday after a sinkhole swallowed up the bedroom of his suburban Tampa home as family members tried to help save him. Mana Rabiee reports.

A HUGE sinkhole about 10-metres across opened up under a man's bedroom and swallowed him, taking all of the furniture too.

Jeff Bush, 37, was feared dead after the floor gave way in Tampa, Florida.

As he screamed for help, his brother Jeremy Bush jumped into the sinkhole to try to help, but couldn't see him and had to be rescued himself.

With the earth still crumbling, a sheriff's deputy reached out his hand and pulled Jeremy Bush to safety.

"The floor was still giving in and the dirt was still going down, but I didn't care. I wanted to save my brother,'' Jeremy Bush said through tears as he stood in a neighbour's yard.

"But I just couldn't do nothing.''

The only thing sticking out of the hole was a small corner of a bed's box spring. Cables from a television led down into the hole, but the TV set, along with a dresser, was nowhere to be seen.

Jeff Bush is presumed dead after he disappeared when a large sinkhole opened under his bedroom. (AP Photo/Jeremy Bush, HO)

Officials lowered equipment into the sinkhole but didn't see any sign of life.

Jeremy Bush said it took him only seconds to get to his brother's room. He had just knocked on his brother's bedroom door, telling him they weren't working today (AEST). The brothers were employed by the Transportation Department and picked up trash along interstates and roads.

"I went in my bedroom, heard a loud crash, ran in that direction,'' he said. "I was getting ready to run into the room and I almost fell into the hole. I jumped into the hole and started digging for me. I started screaming for him.''

Engineers worked to determine the size of the sinkhole. At the surface, officials estimated it was about 10 metres across. Below the surface, officials believed it was 30 metres wide.

From the outside of the small, sky blue house, nothing appeared wrong. There wear no cracks and the only sign something was amiss was the yellow caution tape circling the house.

There were six people at the home when it collapsed, including Jeremy Bush's wife and his 2-year-old daughter.

An engineer stands in front of a home where sinkhole opened up, swallowing a man as he slept in bed. His terrified brother tried to save the victim, butt he man is still missing. Picture: AP

"It was something you would see in a movie. You wouldn't, in your wildest dreams, you wouldn't think anything like that could happen, especially here,'' he said.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy Douglas Duvall rescued Jeremy Bush.

"I reached down and was able to actually able to get him by his hand and pull him out of the hole. The hole was collapsing. At that time, we left the house,'' Duvall said.

Sheriff's office spokesman Larry McKinnon said authorities asked sinkhole and engineering experts to help with the recovery effort, and they were using equipment to see if the ground can support the weight of heavy machinery that was needed.

"We put engineering equipment into the sinkhole and didn't see anything compatible with life,'' Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokeswoman Jessica Damico said. "The entire house is on the sinkhole.''

Neighbours on both sides of the home have been evacuated.

Jeremy Bush, brother of Jeff Bush, breaks down as he speaks to the media about attempting to rescue Jeff as he disappeared in a sinkhole in his bedroom. (AP Photo/Jeremy Bush, HO)

Florida is highly prone to sinkholes because there are caverns below ground of limestone, a porous rock that easily dissolves in water. A sinkhole near Orlando grew to 90 metres across in 1981 and devoured five sports cars, most of two businesses, a three-bedroom house and the deep end of an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Family members console each other near the home where Jeff Bush disappeared as a large sinkhole opened under the bedroom of his house in Seffner, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

An engineer stands in front of a home where sinkhole opened up, swallowing a man as he slept in bed. His terrified brother tried to save the victim, butt he man is still missing. Picture: AP

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Aussie DJ Ajax hit by truck, killed

DJ Ajax taking the crowd on a jacking techno journey at Festival First Night in Sydney in 2008 as a Dad films his kids dancing with glowsticks.

DJ Ajax has reportedly been killed in a car accident. Picture Amos Aikman Source: news.com.au

Ajax was voted one of Australia's top five DJs every year since 2005. Picture: Manuela Cifra Source: news.com.au

UPDATE: AUSTRALIAN DJ Ajax, who died suddenly on his birthday yesterday, has been remembered as a pioneer who changed the nation's dance music scene.

Sydney-based Ajax, born Adrian Thomas, died instantly after being hit by a truck in Parkville, in Melbourne's inner north just before 1am.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

"It's believed the man ran in front of the north bound truck on College Crescent shortly before 1am. He died at the scene," a police spokesperson said.

A road ambulance was not called as he died on impact, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

Thomas, who turned 42 yesterday, was part of the Modular Records signed electro band known as Bang Gang - who spawned hit compilation albums and club nights, and founded music label and management company, Sweat it Out.

Tributes have since flooded into Twitter and the popular DJ's official Facebook page from friends, fans and industry colleagues.

Well-known Melbourne DJ Grant Smillie told the Herald Sun it had been DJ Ajax's birthday yesterday and that he was shocked to receive the news of his death.

"He was an icon for our industry and was always really positive. His energy was infectious," Smillie said.

"He had the ability to make the most underground record cool.

"It was his birthday yesterday. I only saw him two weeks ago in Melbourne at an event with Sneaky Sound System."

OneLove director Frank Cotela said he could not believe the news and that his assistant Tyson O'Brien was good friends with him and was devastated by the news.

"We are really shocked about this, he was a genuine, top block," Cotela said.

"He was a big part of the OneLove and Stereosonic family, and produced numerous CD's for OneLove."

O'Brien said that Thomas had been out on the eve of his 42nd birthday and had plans to meet for dinner with another Melbourne DJ Miami Horror.

"It's quite shocking news, I was meant to meet up with him but had to work," he said. "He was the life of the party, a captivating ball of energy and a true dance legend, as he liked to call himself."

"The tribute messages that have flooded Facebook show how he touched so many people."

O'Brien said that DJ Ajax had been an inspiration to many young DJs who wanted to break into the industry.

"He made a lot of people want to get into DJing. He was inspirational," he said.

In a previous video interview on OneLove TV, Thomas said he liked hanging out with young people who came to watch him play because it made him feel young.

"I don't like the competitive nature of Djing.. it's not a …sport," he said. "Even though I'm 36, I guess I'm quite immature because I hang out with a lot of young people."

A spokesperson for Modular Records said: "It is a tragedy and a shock and Adrian will be greatly missed. It was an honor to work with, know, and love him. Any further details of his death and funeral arrangements will be communicated by his family at an appropriate time."

Vincent Vendetta from Australian band Midnight Juggernauts said Thomas' tragic death was "all so deeply sad".

"Adrian was always one of the brightest leading lights; a real support and driver of the scene. From coming to our first tiny shows in '04, or giving us one of our first remixes it was clear he was always eager to push up-and-comers.

"There's so many other Australian acts he'd encourage and champion along the way as well. I'll remember the times we all spent in rainy London together in '06 when we should have been cold and depressed, but he'd always spread his infectious fireball energy to make everyone cheery and untroubled. People loved to be around him. A hub and father figure of the scene. He'll be greatly missed."

Sneaky Sound System's 'Black' Angus McDonald was a close friend of Thomas.

"RIP my brother, RIP my inspiration, RIP my roomy, RIP my favourite (sic) DJ ever... I love you so f----- much," McDonald wrote.

Potbelleez member Jonny Sonic noted Ajax's influence.

"You changed Australian dance music forever," Sonic posted on Instagram with a picture of the pair.

US DJ Erol Alkan tweeted "saddened to hear about the passing of DJ Ajax RIP."

American DJ A-Trak wrote "RIP to Ajax, my thoughts are with all the Australian homies, I can't believe this. Such a warm and generous dude, a real leader."

Johnny Mackay from rock band Children Collide wrote "DJ AJAX was one of the best guys I ever knew. He was respected and loved in all corners of the music world and will be forever missed. RIP buddy."

Basketball star Liz Cambage tweeted "so lost for words, rest in peace Ajax xxx".

Ajax was regularly voted one of Australia's Top 5 DJs and launched his own label Sweat It Out in 2008.

The label scored major success with Yolanda Be Cool's international hit We Speak No Americano.

Ajax was working with Guy Chappell of Yacht Club DJs and Michael Belsar of Hunting Ground on the group Twinsy.

Sydney station FBI are playing tribute to Ajax at midday today, airing some of his mixtapes.

The station can be streamed outside of Sydney on fbiradio.com

His death has not been added to the road toll and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

If you are having personal problems contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Tigers shattered by teammate's death

Mosese Fotuaika in action for Keebra Park during the ARL Schoolboy Cup at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Ross Michael Source: The Daily Telegraph

Mystery surrounds the death of Mosese Fotuaika. Picture: Michael Ross Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

UPDATE: CAPTAIN Robbie Farah says the Wests Tigers squad is shattered by the death of their teammate Mosese Fotuaika.

The promising Tigers prop was found dead in a Sydney townhouse overnight and has been described as a player who had the potential to make it to the top in rugby league.

Fotuaika, a member of the Tigers' 2012 premiership-winning under-20s team, had been promoted to the senior side for the recent NRL trial matches and looked poised to make his NRL debut.

A NSW police spokesperson said officers from Holroyd area command were called to a townhouse in Merrylands about 6.50pm AEDT last night.

They confirmed a 20-year-old man was found dead inside the premises and said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The Tigers released a statement this afternoon to express their sadness at the loss of their young teammate.

"Mosese had a great future ahead of him and we will miss him dearly," Farah said, in the statement.

"We are a very close knit club and will stick together and support each other during this tough time."

Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys said Fotuaika was "a player of great potential and a very popular and respected member of our club."

"We are all deeply shocked and devastated by the news of his death. I have been in regular contact with his family and partner and are providing them with all of the comfort and support we can in this most difficult time.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

"Our players and staff have met together this morning to support each other. With the assistance of the NRL, we have begun to provide professional counselling as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

"We request everyone to respect the sensitive nature of this situation and the privacy of all concerned."

NRL Chief Executive, Dave Smith, said the NRL had been in close contact with the club to assist in terms of counselling and support and the "rugby League family will pull together to help people get through this difficult time."

Teammates took to Twitter to pay tribute, with Tim Moltzen tweeting, "Such a sad end to the day. R.I.P big Moses, such a great kid and gone way to young. Be sorely missed by everyone at the club.#brothers."

"RIP Moses absolutely shattered, gone too young," prop Aaron Woods posted. Former Tigers forward Andrew Fifita tweeted: "My heart goes out to your family brother. Gone way too soon. Still can't believe it. Rip brother. #Mosese Fotuaika."

The Balmain Tigers' Facebook fan page also posted a notice of the loss.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to the wests tigers very own moses Fotuaika and his family during this very difficult time may god help them and watch over them!!" it read.

Fotuaika attended Keebra Park High School in Queensland, the same school as Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall.

If you need help, call Lifeline's 24hr crisis telephone line on 13 11 14

NZRL high performance general manager Tony Kemp said it was a sad day for the sport and offered condolences on behalf of the national organisation to Fotuaika's family.

Kemp was sure Fotuaika had the goods to reach the top.

``He got player of the day last year in the NYC (National Youth Competition) final, so he was on track,'' he said.

``Most of our national team now have been Junior Kiwis and Mosese was a Junior Kiwi last year, so he had plenty of potential.''

Kemp said he had no further details about Fotuaika's death apart from what was in the media, but said mental health was one area that New Zealand sport needed to spend more time on.

- with AAP

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STITCHED UP: Blind weightlifting champ portrayed as 'drunk' by the ABC

CHAMPION weightlifter Malek Chamoun who is legally blind and walks with a cane has slammed the ABC for portraying him as a binge drinker during a Four Corners' 'Punch Drunk' special. VISION: ABC TV/ Four Corners

Blind weightlifter Malek Chamoun, pictured here in an ABC Four Corners special on drunken violence. Picture: ABC Source: Supplied

• Blind weightlifter shown as drunk by ABC TV 
• Malek Chamoun featured in Four Corners footage
• "It's disgraceful. He is a great kid." 

A CHAMPION weightlifter who is legally blind has slammed the ABC for portraying him as a binge drinker.

Malek Chamoun, 24, was walking with a cane and guided by a friend during a rare night out in the city when he was caught on camera.

The footage later appeared in "Punch Drunk," a Four Corners episode exploring "crisis levels" of binge drinking and serious assaults in Australia through the eyes of police and paramedics that went to air on Monday night.

"Check me out on 4 Corners, the episode about alchahol & violonce in the city. (I pop up at 10:38) Pfftt i wasn't drunk, i'm blind...," Chamoun posted on his Facebook.

"I was even holding my cane, but the idiots cut it off in the vid. The media has to watch out, this could impact my reputation with my weightlifting carreer," he wrote.

Footage of Chamoun stumbling appears following a quote from NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas about the impact of alcohol-related violence on emergency services.

"An enormous amount of effort and anguish is expended on people who have simply got themselves in such a drunken state that emergency services have to become involved to look after them or patch up the mess that they leave," Mr Kaldas said.

"It's disgraceful. I can vouch that the kid is a great kid, a fantastic athlete and a great son. They should have shown the cane so people would have known," he said. Source: Supplied

In a statement today Four Corners said: "Having been made aware of his concerns, Four Corners has now spoken to Malek Chamoun.

"The program has said they are sorry he was portrayed in this light, but explained the footage was filmed in a public place.

"While the program did not suggest all those featured were drunk, it was shown in the context of people out and having a good time. Four Corners has agreed to remove the footage of Chamoun from the online version of the program, and any televised repeats."

"No one at Four Corners knew that the man filmed was blind. If we did, we would not have used this shot."

Chamoun was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease at age seven and declared legally blind at 15.

Despite this, he competes fulltime in the sport and narrowly missed selection for the London 2012 Olympics.

He is coached by father George, also a former national champ, in their Sydney home on the official weightlifting platform used in the Sydney 2000 games.

Weightlifting NSW Honorary CEO Luke Borreggine said he has known Chamoun since he was a "puppy" and it was a shame footage of the "totally innocent" athlete had been used in the wrong context.

"It's disgraceful. I can vouch that the kid is a great kid, a fantastic athlete and a great son. They should have shown the cane so people would have known," he said.

Malek, 24, is legally blind. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: Supplied

Viewers expressed their disapproval on Four Corners' Facebook page.

Dean Vasil: "Malek Chamoun is shown in this video at 10:38 seconds, this is a program about being drunk and highly intoxicated in public.. all of us who know malek.. He is visually blind and was being helped down the stairs by his caring cousin.. You people at abc film whoever you want and stick a title of whatever you want on people to help portray the stupidity of your program.. Regardless of people's circumstances.. This poor kid has been made to look like he was HIGHLY intoxicated.. When in reality he was being helped down the stairs because he can not see.. He has been portrayed as a drunk on live television and he didn't even know he was being filmed.. Well done abc, GREAT WORK!!"

Will Vasil: "That's not nice they just showed someone in this video that was not drunk, I thought it was about drunk people not a BLIND man walking down the stairs being helped by his cousin (10:38). I think the video man himself was intoxicated, he couldn't tell the difference between a blind man holding his cane or a drunk loser."

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