Alternative Healer Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Diabetic Woman's Death
- Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old woman, died after ceasing her insulin treatment during a health workshop in Wiltshire.
- She succumbed to diabetic ketoacidosis just four days into the week-long workshop on October 20, 2016.
- The healer involved was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with her death.
An alternative healer, Hongchi Xiao, has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a diabetic woman, Mrs. Carr-Gomm, who ceased her insulin treatment during his slapping therapy workshop. The court heard that after Mrs. Carr-Gomm announced to the group that she had stopped taking her insulin, Xiao responded with a congratulatory remark, "well done." Tragically, she fell seriously ill and died from diabetic ketoacidosis four days later, on October 20, 2016. During the trial, it was revealed that Xiao had previously encountered similar situations but failed to act appropriately when Mrs. Carr-Gomm's condition deteriorated. Despite denying the manslaughter charge, he was found guilty as the jury concluded that he had a duty of care and neglected to intervene when he knew she was at risk. Xiao, who transitioned from a finance career to alternative healing, claimed he would never advise anyone to stop their insulin. Mrs. Carr-Gomm had previously attended one of Xiao's workshops in Bulgaria, where she also experienced health issues after halting her insulin. In a video testimonial, she referred to him as a "master" and expressed her belief in his healing methods. However, the prosecution argued that Xiao's practices are not recognized in traditional Chinese medicine and highlighted the dangers of his self-healing approach, noting that two participants in his workshops have died.