It was announced yesterday to the people of Austenasia that Edward “Ned” Gunderson, a former Austenasian who served as the Empire’s seventh Deputy Prime Minister, had passed away on 6 October 2024.
It came as a shock to all when HSH Lord Jonathan announced to the Austenasian public via Discord, on Monday, that Ned Gunderson a former Austenasian official had passed away earlier this month at the age of 23.
The news had been made public by his family, with close friends then alerting micronational social media.
Lord Jonathan, who served as Emperor during Gunderson’s time in office, made the following announcement via Discord:
“I regret to announce that the former Lord Edward Gunderson, once Count of New Grémmia, passed away earlier this month on October 6th.
Lord Gunderson joined Austenasia in April 2019 alongside the Town of Dragovina, as its Representative. He served as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Speaker of the House from February to May 2020, during the brief premiership of Prince Dionisiy. During the high point of the 2020 political crisis, Lord Gunderson announced the secession of Dragovina from the Empire due to his dissatisfaction with the extent of proposed constitutional reforms, ultimately triggering the resignation of Prince Dionisiy a few days later.
Although Edward therefore leaves behind a controversial legacy in Austenasian history, there can be no doubt that he brought a level of enthusiasm, engagement, and imagination to his positions in government which has rarely been matched.”
Lord John Gordon – Gunderson’s successor as Deputy PM – also paid tribute, recalling that “he certainly made Austenasia a lively place”, and stating that “he will be missed”.
Ned’s micronational career was not limited to Austenasia. He was also a figure in other nations such as Abelden, Krasnocoria, and Montescano.
Gunderson was also appointed as Knight of the Order of the Bullmastiff in Austenasia, in 2019.
The Time would like to express our utmost condolences to Ned’s family and friends at this time.
