41-year-old ex-politician and child pornography advocate Nathan Larson succumbed to self-starvation while being treated in an Arizona hospital. Maricopa County Medical Examiner reports revealing that Larson had a history of suicidal ideation, abstaining from food or liquids for six weeks prior to his admittance into the medical facility.
According to the report, Larson’s premature passing was caused by malnutrition and Wernicke’s Encephalopathy. His death is deemed a suicide in terms of manner.
Larson had been apprehended and charged with multiple felonies connected to soliciting child pornography and other criminal activities. After law enforcement discovered that he traveled from Virginia to California in 2020 for the clear purpose of seizing a 12-year-old girl whom he had groomed online, Larson was extradited back to Fresno, California. When his hunger ceased at the Fresno County Jail, authorities began monitoring him closely.
On June 21, Larson was identified as having COVID-19 and treated with remdesivir. Unfortunately, he experienced “profound muscular weakness” which resulted in a need for him to be put on a ventilator – though he was weaned off the device by August 14. Despite his obvious efforts and determination, his health continued to deteriorate until unfortunately leading up to his passing on September 18th of this year.
Larson’s campaign to legalize child pornography in Virginia, coupled with his notorious status as a white supremacist, has resulted in significantly diverging views from the public upon news of his passing. While some were grateful that he will no longer inflict damage on people and society at large, many have questioned why the prison system did not do more to accommodate inmates who suffer from mental health problems.
Although it may not be possible to predict or prevent suicide due to its complex nature, offering treatment and support is essential for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Mental health care should be made accessible; any underlying medical or psychological issues need to be addressed as well. With the right kind of help, a person can learn how to cope better in times of distress and find hope in their future.
In the wake of Larson’s death, it is more vital than ever to realize that endorsing child pornography and other forms of sexual abuse has detrimental consequences. Child pornography is an oppressive act and should never be encouraged in any way, shape, or form. It is imperative to confront such damaging thoughts head-on and give our full support towards shielding children from all types of maltreatment.
Ultimately, Nathan Larson’s passing is a wake-up call; it emphasizes the importance of providing proper care to inmates that have mental health issues and makes us aware of the necessity to vocally oppose malicious ideologies while seeking protection for children from maltreatment.
