Australian Coroner Moved to Tears by Child's Death Denied Insulin on Religious Grounds
An inquest heard testimony from the older sister of an 8-year-old girl who died of ketoacidosis after her parents withheld insulin for type-1 diabetes.
BRISBANE, Australia -- An Australian coroner was moved to tears on Thursday after hearing evidence from the older sister of an 8-year-old girl who died in 2022 after her parents withheld insulin for her type-1 diabetes on religious grounds.
Elizabeth Struhs died of ketoacidosis poisoning. Her father, Jason Struhs, denied her insulin. Elizabeth’s parents, brother, and 11 other members of a religious group that rejects modern medicine were convicted last year of her manslaughter. The group, which called itself the "Saints," reportedly gathered around her to pray as she was dying.
Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth's older sister, gave an emotional statement on the final day of an eight-day coroner's court inquiry in Brisbane. Jayde had left the family in 2014 at the age of 16, having rejected their religious beliefs. She spoke of a sister who was denied common childhood experiences.
“Having Elizabeth in our lives is something we would have loved,” Jayde said. “She would have had everyone helping her manage her diabetes, her health and her learning. She would have learned about Christmas and the joy of being spoiled rotten.”
Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard, through tears, thanked Jayde for her recollections, stating, “I think everyone would agree that what you have done this morning is perhaps the hardest job of anyone in this room in the last two weeks. It’s an opportunity for us all to reflect that Elizabeth was and remains infinitely more than the events that have brought us here.”
Kirkegaard is expected to make recommendations to the state government to prevent similar deaths. A date for her findings has not yet been set.
Elizabeth’s mother, Kerrie Struhs, was previously imprisoned in 2019 for child neglect after Elizabeth's undiagnosed diabetes left her near death. After her release from prison in December 2021, the mother reportedly informed police, parole officers, and child welfare workers that she remained convinced that God would heal her child without medical intervention.