Healer Sentenced After Diabetic Woman Died When She Stopped Insulin
An alternative healer, Hongchi Xiao, is set to be sentenced for manslaughter after a tragic incident where a 71-year-old diabetic woman, Danielle Carr-Gomm, passed away due to not receiving medical assistance when she stopped taking insulin during a therapy event. The event in question was a Paida Lajin workshop, involving participants being slapped or slapping themselves repeatedly. The victim, Mrs. Carr-Gomm, lost her life in October 2016 while attending this therapy event at Cleeve House in Wiltshire. Xiao was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Xiao, 61, was extradited from Australia for this trial, where he had faced a similar case involving the death of a six-year-old boy after his parents ceased his insulin medication, following attendance at one of Xiao’s workshops in Sydney. The court heard that Mrs. Carr-Gomm, who had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1999, was in significant pain before her demise. She had initially sought alternative treatments to her insulin due to her vegetarian diet and fear of needles. The workshop participants were distressed as Mrs. Carr-Gomm became seriously ill after she announced stopping her insulin during the retreat.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mrs. Carr-Gomm exhibited severe symptoms, such as vomiting and weakness, eventually leading to her tragic death on the fourth day of the workshop. Despite her deteriorating condition, Xiao did not seek medical help for her. The prosecution highlighted that Xiao, although a proponent of Paida Lajin for a decade and an author on the subject, lacked formal medical training. His methods involved expelling “poisonous waste” through slapping and patting various body parts, as described in his book, where he criticised the medical profession.
Throughout the court proceedings, Xiao reiterated his stance that he would never advise against insulin use for those in need, acknowledging its benefits. Nonetheless, Mrs. Carr-Gomm, in a testimonial, had praised Xiao as a divine messenger revolutionising healthcare. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with alternative therapies that may not align with conventional medical practices. Xiao is awaiting sentencing at Winchester Crown Court, reflecting on the consequences of his actions in this heartbreaking loss of life.
This devastating incident underscores the importance of ensuring individuals have access to evidence-based medical treatments and the potential dangers of unverified alternative therapies. As the legal process unfolds, the repercussions of negligence in healthcare practices resonate, raising awareness of the critical need for informed decisions in seeking medical assistance. The tragic outcome of Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s participation in the workshop serves as a cautionary tale, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of practitioners and the significance of prioritising patient safety above all else. In the pursuit of holistic well-being, it is imperative to balance innovation with established medical standards to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
The sentencing of Xiao serves as a sombre chapter in this harrowing saga, highlighting the repercussions of his actions on the victim’s family and the broader healthcare community. As the legal system seeks to deliver justice in this case, public scrutiny is drawn to the accountability of individuals offering alternative therapies without medical expertise. The legacy of Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s untimely passing underscores the vital importance of caution and diligence when exploring unconventional healthcare methods. May her tragic story serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of unchecked practices in the pursuit of well-being.