Woman’s Decision to Forego Cancer Treatment Influenced by Mother, UK Inquest Finds
Brighton, UK – A UK inquest concluded that Paloma Kay, 31, died after refusing conventional cancer treatment, a decision heavily influenced by her mother, conspiracy theorist Kate Kay, who promoted option therapies. The inquest heard that Paloma, diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, believed she would “make a full recovery” with the alternative treatment she was pursuing.
the case highlights the dangers of misinformation and the impact of parental influence on medical decisions. Paloma was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, but instead of undergoing recommended treatment, she pursued alternative methods. her mother,a vocal critic of mainstream medicine and known for her anti-lockdown views,had repeatedly expressed distrust in conventional healthcare.
The inquest revealed Kate Kay had a professional relationship with forensic psychiatrist Ali Ajaz, who appeared as a medical expert on her podcast three times and to whom she had referred multiple patients. Paloma had seven sessions with Dr. Ajaz at her mother’s recommendation.
Paloma’s brother,Gabriel,directly blamed his mother for his sister’s death,stating she had “sacrificed” Paloma “for her own principles” and “obstructed” her from receiving necessary medical care. “I believe that she sacrificed Paloma’s life for her own principles, I believe that she should be held accountable for Paloma’s death,” he told the inquest.
During the proceedings, Kate Kay claimed her daughter’s death was a result of “gross negligence manslaughter” by medical staff, alleging Paloma ”deteriorated catastrophically” after paramedics intervened. She maintained Paloma was ”well” on the morning of her collapse, “smiling and laughing.” However, evidence presented showed Kate Kay initially called a friend instead of emergency services when Paloma collapsed, with the friend subsequently calling 999 while initiating CPR. On the 999 call, Kate Kay was heard shouting, “She’s dying.”
Paloma was taken to Royal Sussex County hospital in Brighton on a ventilator, and brain stem death was declared on July 24, 2024, following standard medical assessments. Kate Kay, in a prepared statement, accused the inquest of attempting to deflect from what she believes was the “real” cause of death – failures in diagnosis and the governance of drugs without Paloma’s consent that “could have damaged her heart.”
