Coroner considers cult inquiry recommendations following Elizabeth Struhs death inquest

A coronial inquest into the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs has heard that a lack of curiosity about her family's religious beliefs represented a missed opportunity to save her. The Guardian reported that the coroner investigating the case is now considering adopting recommendations from a Victorian inquiry into cults. [1]

Elizabeth Struhs died on 7 January 2022 from diabetic ketoacidosis after her father stopped administering insulin for her type 1 diabetes, according to the Guardian. As FTMQ News reported earlier, fourteen members of a religious sect known as the Saints were subsequently convicted of manslaughter in connection with the child's death. [1][3]

The Guardian reported that the young girl had previously come to the attention of multiple government departments before her death. As FTMQ News reported earlier, a child safety staff member testified at the inquest that Elizabeth's case was not prioritized due to high staff workloads. The staff member admitted she did not expect the father to join the religious group, given that he had appropriately managed his daughter's medical condition for more than two years. [1][3]

The coroner warned that officials failed to properly investigate the family's religious context, as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death continues, according to the Guardian. [1]