Today is the 8th anniversary of the death of Lisa McPherson.
On November 18, 1995, Lisa, a longtime Scientologist was involved in a minor automobile accident. Lisa did not appear to be physically injured, but at the scene of the accident she removed all her clothes and proceeded to walk naked through traffic. She told ambulance attendants at the scene that she wanted them to think she was crazy so she could get help.
Lisa was taken to the hospital and was examined by a psychiatric nurse who felt that Lisa should stay for observation. However, several Scientologists turned up at the hospital and convinced Lisa to refuse care, as Scientologists are opposed to psychiatry. So Lisa was released against doctors advice and taken to the Scientology owned Fort Harrisson Hotel.
At the hotel, according Scientology's own logs, Lisa was held against her will for 17 days, while she deteriated both mentally and physically. On Dec. 5, 1995 she was driven to a hospital a 45 minute drive away (because there was a Scientologist doctor working there), passing 4 other hospitals on the way. Lisa was pronounced dead on arrival.
There is an excellent article about Lisa McPherson in the current (Dec/Jan) issue of Razor Magazine. You can also read more about her Here and Here
You can also watch a television program about her in RealVideo.
Posted by Shane at December 5, 2003 12:50 AM | TrackBack