Tributes pour out for Elizabeth Rose Struhs

Elizabeth Rose Struhs dreamt of being a doctor when she grew up to help others fighting diabetes. That was before the bright eight-year-old’s life ended after her parents allegedly failed to give her the medication she needed.

Elizabeth Rose Struhs’ home has been delcared a crime scene she was decease at the Rangeville property on Saturday, January 8.

As the school year came to a close in 2021 Elizabeth Rose Struhs was reported as happy and healthy.

The bright eight-year-old Gabbinbar State School student had her whole future ahead but during the Christmas holidays her health deteriorated and sadly she passed away on Friday, January 7.

Elizabeth’s tragic death prompted an outpouring of grief from the community and many who knew Elizabeth have contacted Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki’s office to express their sadness.

“People close to Elizabeth speak of a beautiful, clever, and cheeky little girl,” he said.

“She loved to tell jokes and had a wicked sense of humour.

“She liked colouring in and solving puzzles.

Police close to the investigation allege Elizabeth had Type 1 diabetes and that her parents – Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs withheld vital medication needed to keep her illness in check.

On Tuesday the couple were charged with murder, torture and failing to provide the necessities of life.

They have been held in custody and are yet to enter a plea.

Jason Richard Struhs is charged with murder.

Mr Janetzki was told by people who knew Elizabeth that she drew strength from her illness.

“Elizabeth dreamt of being a doctor when she grew up because she wanted to help other children with Type 1 diabetes,” he said.

“Elizabeth was mature far beyond her eight years and took her chronic illness in her stride.”

The young girl’s death, so close to the start of the school year, has affected many.

One of the school’s teachers, Rachel La Franchi, took to social media to honour Elizabeth.

“She was Elizabeth Rose, however she preferred to be called Rose and always smiled at me when I remembered,” she said.

“She would give me a feigned look of indignation when I called her Lizzie, which I often did, but she knew that it was my pet name for her so she allowed it.

“Lizzie Rose was an extraordinary child.”

Elizabeth was known to love music and would often play her favourite classical pieces during class.

“She would sing out loud, play the keyboard and read chapter books and poetry to the class,” Ms La Franchi said.

“She was shy but she knew that the kids loved to see her out the front, doing things to make them happy.

“She was loved and knew love – she was light itself. “Rest easy now beautiful girl until we meet again,”

Toowoomba South MP and deputy LNP leader David Janetzki.

Mr Janetzki echoed that Elizabeth was adored by her friends and teachers.

“Elizabeth’s death will forever leave a hole in the hearts of our community,” he said.

“She was robbed of the chance to grow up (by her death) and deserved so much more.”

A spokeswoman from Queensland Police service said the family were known to police and the Department of Child Safety.

Elizabeth’s sudden death has raised questions about when caseworkers last saw the young girl alive and well.

“What steps did Child Safety take to protect Elizabeth?

Children and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard said she could not comment directly on the matter because it was before the courts.

“The awful events in Toowoomba are gut-wrenching,” she said.

“I know that all Queenslanders join with me in sending their deepest sympathies to those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

Originally published as Tributes pour out for Elizabeth Rose Struhs