Hongchi Xiao, whose occupation is described as an alternative healer, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence. The Wiltshire Police revealed this on Thursday, stating that the 60-year-old self-proclaimed healer was charged upon his return to the UK from Australia, following an extradition warrant, per Insider.
The charge stems from the tragic death of Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old woman who passed away in Seend, England, in October 2016. Carr-Gomm had reportedly attended one of Xiao’s slapping therapy workshops, which took place at a hotel.
According to her son, Matthew Carr-Gomm, his mother had participated in the workshop in an attempt to alleviate her diabetes. She had been exploring alternative medical practices due to her fear of needles, as mentioned in The Guardian.
“She was always keen to try and find alternative methods of treating and dealing with her diabetes and was very interested in alternative and holistic medicine and therapies,”
he said.
Xiao, a proponent of paida lajin therapy, is known for advocating patting and slapping body areas. According to the Associated Press, he has led workshops worldwide. However, the slapping aspect of this therapy can often cause bruising and bleeding.
Xiao has a warrant for his arrest, issued in October 2019, three years after the death of Carr-Gomm. He is scheduled to appear in a UK court on Friday.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
