A medical specialist at Queensland Children’s Hospital warned that eight‑year‑old Elizabeth Struhs would not be safe at home with her mother, years before the parents allowed her to die by withdrawing insulin, a coronial inquest heard. The specialist, who cared for Elizabeth after her admission to intensive care on 17 July 2019, wrote a nine‑page report expressing concern about her safety and the religious beliefs of her mother. The report was sent to child safety and police, but the child was returned home under a short‑term voluntary arrangement without the hospital team’s knowledge.
Elizabeth, a type 1 diabetic, died on 7 January 2022 at her family home in Toowoomba after her parents and 14 members of the religious sect known as the Saints withheld lifesaving medicine. All 14 adults were convicted of manslaughter last year, including her father Jason Struhs, mother Kerrie Struhs, brother Zachary Struhs, and sect leader Brendan Stevens. The group, described by some as a cult, rejected medical treatment and believed Elizabeth would be miraculously healed and resurrected after her death.
In 2019 Elizabeth had been hospitalized after a similar incident when her mother refused to provide medical care. Kerrie was charged and convicted in 2021 of failing to provide necessities of life. The doctor who treated Elizabeth in intensive care noted that she was “extremely unwell,” required intubation and a ventilator, and that Kerrie denied her daughter’s illness and the need for insulin. Despite the doctor’s strong concerns, the child was discharged home for a voluntary, short‑term arrangement that allowed child safety authorities to aid a child in danger without a protection order.
Jason Struhs had previously saved Elizabeth’s life by taking her to hospital against his wife’s wishes and later testified against her. Both parents were convicted in 2021, with Jason receiving a suspended six‑month sentence and Kerrie an 18‑month sentence with parole. After her release, Kerrie influenced Jason to abandon insulin treatment, leading to Elizabeth’s death. The inquest continues.
