Skip to main content Skip to news navigation, settings and search Explore the ABC Loading ABC News News Home Queensland coroner begins probe to examine whether system failures led to death of Elizabeth Struhs Share Share article Queensland coroner begins probe to examine whether system failures led to death of Elizabeth Struhs By Talissa Siganto Topic: Courts Posted Mon 12 Oct 2026 at 4:19pm Mon 12 Oct 2026 at 4:19pm Mon 12 Oct 2026 at 4:19pm Elizabeth Struhs died after members of a fringe relig
In a world where we often hear about the importance of medical care, personal responsibility, and the role of parents in safeguarding their children, the heartbreaking story of Elizabeth Struhs serves as a grim reminder of what can happen when these elements go tragically awry. Elizabeth, an eight-year-old girl from Toowoomba, Australia, lost her life in January 2022 due to complications from diabetes—a condition that, with proper treatment, is manageable. So, what went wrong?
Elizabeth was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that requires careful management, including regular insulin injections. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious health issue that needs constant attention. Unfortunately, years before her untimely death, a medical specialist at the Queensland Children’s Hospital had already raised alarms about her safety at home with her mother. And yet, despite these warnings, Elizabeth’s parents, members of a religious sect known as the Saints, made the shocking decision to withdraw her insulin.
Imagine this scenario: a doctor tells you your child isn’t safe at home. You’d think that would be a wake-up call, right? But instead, Elizabeth’s parents opted to sit around, singing and praying, while their daughter suffered the consequences of their decisions. It’s almost like they thought divine intervention was a substitute for medicine. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The case has now become the focus of a coronial inquest, which is basically a fancy way of saying that officials are trying to figure out what went wrong and how to prevent this from happening again. And let’s be honest, they have a lot to unpack here. Fourteen members of the Saints, including Elizabeth’s own parents, were found guilty of manslaughter. Manslaughter! That’s a pretty serious charge, and rightly so. When you choose to ignore medical advice and actively withdraw treatment from a child in need, you are, in no uncertain terms, playing a deadly game of Russian roulette with their life.
As the inquest unfolds, we’re left with more questions than answers. How did this happen? Why did the authorities not intervene sooner? Child safety authorities were reportedly aware of the risks years before Elizabeth’s death, yet nothing significant was done. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck—you can see it coming, but no one hits the brakes.
This tragic incident raises important questions about parental responsibility, the influence of religious beliefs on medical decisions, and the role of child protection agencies. While everyone has the right to practice their beliefs, those beliefs should never come at the cost of a child’s life. It’s a delicate balance, one that needs to be navigated with care and compassion, but also with an unwavering commitment to a child’s health and safety.
As we reflect on Elizabeth Struhs’ story, let’s hope that this inquest leads to meaningful changes, not just for the sake of her memory but for the safety of all children. Because at the end of the day, no child should ever have to suffer due to the negligence of those who are supposed to protect them. And if there’s one takeaway from this tragic tale, it’s that love and care should never be an excuse for neglect.
Inspired by: “Doctor warned Elizabeth Struhs would not be safe at home years before religious sect killed her by…” (r/News)