Elizabeth Struhs died denied insulin, sister speaks at inquest
Elizabeth Struhs died when her religious parents denied her insulin for type-1 diabetes.
Elizabeth Struhs died on 7 January 2022 at her family home near Toowoomba, aged eight. Her parents stopped giving her insulin for type-1 diabetes.
Their church, the Saints, banned modern medicine. Without insulin, she developed ketoacidosis.
This poisoned her blood. It damaged her organs.
At the inquest on Thursday, her sister Jayde gave emotional testimony. She described the life Elizabeth missed.
Elizabeth grew up isolated from her extended family. She would have had aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents to love and support her.
The coroner became visibly emotional during the testimony.
- Eight years old
- Age
- January 7, 2022
- Date of death
- Type-1 diabetes
- Medical condition
Why it mattersThe case shows an important tension between parental rights and keeping children safe. Religious beliefs can endanger children's lives.
AustraliaThe case is in Queensland; Elizabeth's parents and church members were convicted of manslaughter in 2025, prompting fresh questions about child protection gaps in Australia.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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