A Deadly Promise of Cure
In early 20th-century Washington State, Linda Hazzard operated Wilderness Heights, a sanitarium where patients came seeking health through extreme fasting.
With no formal medical degree but a license through a legal loophole, Hazzard promoted prolonged fasting, claiming it could cleanse the body of toxins and cure diseases. Patients were given small amounts of thin broths or juices over weeks or months while undergoing treatments like pummeling and hours-long enemas.
Building a Reputation and a Body Count
Some patients survived the harsh regimens and publicly praised Hazzard, but many others did not. Deaths were attributed to undiagnosed illnesses by Hazzard, though locals in Olalla, Washington, called the facility “Starvation Heights.”
In 1912, Hazzard was convicted of manslaughter after the death of Claire Williamson, a British woman who weighed less than 50 pounds at death. Evidence showed Hazzard had forged Williamson’s will and taken her valuables. Claire’s sister, Dorothea, also a patient, survived only because a family friend intervened.
Prison, Pardon, and Return to Fasting
Hazzard was sentenced to 2 to 20 years in prison but was released after two years. In 1916, Washington Governor Ernest Lister granted her a full pardon, on condition she leave the country. She moved to New Zealand and continued practicing as a dietitian and osteopath until 1920.
Returning to Washington, Hazzard reopened a health school in Olalla, as her medical license had been revoked. She continued supervising fasts until the building burned down in 1935.
A Fatal Commitment to Her Own Methods
Hazzard remained committed to fasting, both as a treatment and a personal practice. In 1938, at age 70, she died from self-imposed starvation while attempting one of her own fasting cures.
Her treatments had been linked to dozens of deaths, including that of Seattle civil engineer Earl Edward Erdman, whose detailed diary described his declining condition under her care. Despite public outrage, Hazzard maintained supporters and continued promoting her books on fasting throughout her life.
In early 1900s Washington, Linda Hazzard ran Wilderness Heights, a sanitarium promising health through fasting.
Patients took only thin broths or juice for weeks. Locals called it 'Starvation Heights' as many died, though some praised her methods…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/YvGwCkRroS
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 20, 2025