Program-Related Deaths

Children are dying at an alarming pace within privately-owned facilities.

There is rarely justice for the parents of a child who dies at a privately owned facility.

In most cases, NO ONE is held accountable.

Every child is at risk of being abused and even killed because in many programs, the people who have the most contact with children are entry-level workers with little or no training.

The children listed on this page are just the ones who have died since ISAC has been on the internet.

A complete listing can be found at Teen Advocates USA

Brendan Blum

June 28, 2007

Photo is the property of the Blum family and may not be used without permission. Brendan Blum, age 14, died on June 28, 2007 at Youth Care, in Draper, Utah. Youth Care is part of the Aspen Education Group. After complaining of gastrointestinal problems, Brendan was put in a room and left alone. He was found dead the next morning. An autopsy revealed that Brendan died of a bowel infarction (restricted blood supply to part of the bowel) - a condition that can be treated when medical care is received in a timely manner. Information obtained by ISAC indicates that Utah authorities have suspended Youth Care's license for 90 days. On October 12, 2007 two counselors at Youth Care were formally charged with felony neglect in connection with Brendan's death. Youth Care on Probation after Death of Brendan Blum Counselors Charged in Death of Brendan Blum Death at Youth Care Pine Ridge Academy Still Under Review Boy Found Dead at Youth Care Pine Ridge Academy Teen Found Dead at Youth Care Pine Ridge Academy

Omega Leach

June 3, 2007

Omega Leach, age 17, died on June 3, 2007 after being restrained by staff members at Chad Youth Enhancement Center in Tennessee.

The medical examiner has blamed his death on an "enlarged heart."

Omega was the second child to die at the facility in under two years.

In 2005, Linda Harris died after being restrained at Chad.

Her death was also attributed to an enlarged heart.

Philadelphia Sued Over Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Two Deaths, a Sexual Assualt, and Many Other Abuses, but Tennessee Still Licenses Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Despite Homicide, Philadelphia Children Still at Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Latest Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center Ruled a Homicide

Teen Charged With Raping Boy At Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Chad Youth Enhancement Center; 2 Deaths, Now a Sexual Assault Complaint

After 2 Deaths, PA Judge Orders Children Out of Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Community Activists Want Chad Youth Enhancement Center Closed

Young Witness Talks about Death at Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Omega Leach: Another Life Lost on DHS's Watch

Following Second Death, Parents Remove Children from Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Another Child Dies at Chad Youth Enhancement Center

Coroner Rules 12 Year-Old had Heart Attack

Child Dies at Youth Enhancement Center

Witness Says Child Was Bleeding and in Restraints

Caleb Jensen

May 2, 2007

Caleb Jensen, age 15, died on May 2, 2007 at Alternative Youth Adventures, a Colorado wilderness program for at-risk teens.

Caleb died of an obvious and treatable staph infection.

Just days after Caleb's death, the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services suspended the program's license and said the program presented a "substantial danger to public health, safety, and welfare."

The Department also acknowledged that other children had suffered frostbite at the camp.

The Utah Division of Juvenile Services ordered Caleb to be enrolled at Alternative Youth Adventures.

Child Who Died at Wilderness Camp Told Mom he Wanted to Come Home

Mother Seeks Answer's to Son's Death at Alternative Youth Adventures

Following Death, Utah Kids Return from Alternative Youth Adventures

Alternative Youth Adventures Closed after Child Dies

Child Dies from Treatable Staph Infection

15 Year-Old Died at Alternative Youth Adventures; State Watching

Isaiah Simmons

January 23, 2007

Isaiah Simmons III, age 17, died after being restrained at Bowling Brook Prepatory School in Maryland. Isaiah was placed at the private facility by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Isaiah had been found gulity of armed robbery after stealing a cell phone from another teen in February 2006. Witnesses say Isaiah was restrained for several hours and the untrained staff initially thought Isaiah was pretending to be asleep. He leaves behind a 2 year-old daughter. Six Former Staff Members Charged in Death of Isaiah Simmons Death of Isaiah Simmons Declared a Homicide; FBI Investigating Maryland Governor Supports Bill that Would Regulate Staff Training at Private Programs Maryland Moves to Reform Private Teen Facilities Workers in Maryland Juvenile Programs Unchecked by State Restraint Common Where Isaiah Simmons Died Staff Thought Isaiah Simmons Was Faking Sleep; CPR, 911 Delayed Maryland Questions Youth Restraint Following Death of Isaiah Simmons Witnesses Say Isaiah Simmons Was Held Down Until He Died Teen Dies Following Restraint at Bowling Brook Prepatory School

Alex Cullinane

August 12, 2006

Alex Cullinane, 13, was a student at the Back to Basics Christian Military Academy in Lauderhill, Florida. He died during a camping trip that was part of the school's orientation. Following a day of marching and exercising on a beach, Alex refused food and water, then collapsed and died. Florida officials determined Back to Basics never applied for any licenses and was operating illegally. Alex Cullinane Died of Heatstroke; Ruled Accidental Illegal Christian Boot Camp Open Again and Still Illegal Illegal Christian Boot Camp Received State Money Christian Boot Camp Where Child Died Was Operating Illegally Boy Who Died at Christian Boot Camp Refused Food

Dillon Peak

June 17, 2006

Dillon Peak, age 14, had been placed at DeSoto Outward Bound, a state run wilderness camp for juveniles in Florida.

Dillon was ill, with strep throat and a high fever. He was given Tylenol and sent back to his tent.

Within days, he suffered seizures and slipped into a coma.

14 Year-Old Dies at State-Run Camp in Florida

Carter Lynn

June 6, 2006

Carter Lynn, 18, had been home from Tranquility Bay, a WWASPS facility in Jamaica, for 18 months.

Just a few weeks after discussing his experience with a reporter, Carter hanged himself at his home in Florida.

Tranquility Bay; Rough Love for Many Florida Kids

Lenny Ortega

June 1, 2006

Lenny Ortega, age 12, was enrolled at Star Ranch in Texas. On May 6, Lenny and some other children from the program were riding their bikes across a creek.

Lenny was sucked into a drainage pipe.

Sadly, Lenny was the second child to die at Star Ranch in 6 months.

The state of Texas has revoked the program's license.

Star Ranch License Revoked After Second Child Dies

Child from Star Ranch Dies Following Accident

Angellika Arndt

May 26, 2006

Angellika Arndt was just 7 years old when she died at Rice Lake Day Treatment Center in Wisconsin. In just one month, staff members at the facility had restrained Angellika at least 9 times. On the day she died, Angellika was placed in a face-down "control hold" for blowing bubbles with her milk. The coroner ruled her death a homicide. Facility and Staff Member Plead No Contest in Death of Angellika Arndt Employee Gets 60 Days in Jail for Death of Angellika Arndt Facility and Staff Member Charged with Negligence in Death of Angellika Arndt Rice Lake Treatment Center Won't Reopen Following Angie's Death State Closes Clinic Where Angellika Arndt Died Wisconsin Advocacy Group Wants Clinic Closed After Child's Death Controlling Out-of-Control kids: When is Restraint OK? State Finds Problems at Clinic Where 7 Year-Old Died 7 Year-Old Dies Following Restraint; Homicide Charges Possible

Giovanni Aletriz

February 4, 2006

16 year-old Giovanni Aletriz died after being restrained at Summit Quest in Pennsylvania.

The coroner ruled that Giovanni had an enlarged heart and died from "natural" causes.

However, the state Department of Public Welfare placed Summit Quest on a six-month provisional license after an investigation revealed significant health and safety concerns for the children at the facility.

Mother of Giovanni Aletriz Says His Death Was No Accident

No Charges Filed After Giovanni Aletriz Dies at Summit Quest Academy

Teen Dies Following Restraint at Summit Quest Academy

Martin Lee Anderson

January 6, 2006

After taking his grandmother's car for a joyride, 14 year-old Martin Lee Anderson was sent to Florida's Bay County Boot Camp. The camp is run by the Bay County Sheriff's Department and overseen by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. On January 6, 2006 Martin died after guards repeatedly beat and kneed him. Federal Review in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Guards Acquitted in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Jury Selection Begins in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Florida Offers to Pay $5 Million for Death of Martin Lee Anderson Former Guard Says He Tried to Help Martin Lee Anderson 8 Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Gov. Bush Blamed for Boot Camp Death Cover-Up State Official Claims Views of Anderson's Death Got Him Fired Students Demand Justice for Martin Lee Anderson Trial Date Set in Death of Martin Lee Anderson Martin Lee Anderson's Parents Complain About Lack of Action Coroner Who Conducted Anderson's Autopsy Placed on Probation Probe Into Death of Martin Lee Anderson May End Soon Family of Martin Lee Anderson to File $40 Million Lawsuit Video of the Fatal Beating Florida Governor Signs Bill Outlawing Boot Camps Martin Lee Anderson Was Suffocated Florida to Close Last 4 Boot Camps Florida Attorney General Wants Probe of Coroner Boot Camp Inspections Missed Red Flags Students, Black Leaders March, Demanding Justice in Boy's Death Boot Camp Founder Resigns, Made Inappropriate Remarks About Civil-Rights Leaders Florida Law Exempts Boot Camps from Abuse-Reporting Requirements Students Continue Vigil at the Capitol (Video and Audio) Students Hold Sit-In at State Capitol on Behalf of Martin Lee Anderson Rally Planned on Behalf of Martin Lee Anderson Florida Department of Law Enforcement Removed from Boot Camp Investigation Florida Official Disparaged Boot-Camp Critics Second Autopsy Indicates Teen Beaten at Boot Camp Suffocated Use of Force Routine at Boot Camp Where Teen was Beaten Prosecutor Says Martin Lee Anderson Did Not Die from Sickle Cell All Children Removed from Florida Boot Camp New Use for Florida Boot Camp Rejected Boot Camp Nurse Who Walked Away is Under Fire Witness Describes Boot Camp Beating Florida Boot Camps Exempt from "Pain Compliance" Ban Body of Martin Lee Anderson to be Exhumed Boot Camp Where Teen Died Will Close Coroner Who Conducted Dead Teen's Autopsy Criticized Before Coroner Says Boy Beaten at Boot Camp Died of Sickle Cell Anemia Justice Department Investigating Death at Teen Boot Camp Video Shows Dead Boy Beaten by Boot Camp Guards

James White

December 12, 2005

James White, age 17, also died at Summit Quest in Pennsylvania.

The coroner ruled that James, like Giovanni, had an enlarged heart and died from "natural" causes.

Christening "Mikie" Garcia

December 4, 2005

Mikie Garcia, age 12, suffocated to death while being restrained at Star Ranch in Texas.

A grand jury ruled there was no wrongdoing in connection with Mikie's death.

Lawsuit Expected Following Death of Mikie Garcia

Child Suffocated During Restraint at Star Ranch

12 Year-Old Dies at Star Ranch

Willie Durden

October 13, 2005

Willie Durden, age 17, died at the Cypress Creek Juvenile Offender Corrections Center in Citrus County, Florida.

Willie had no pulse when guards found him in his cell.

They did not call for help right away because they thought he was "faking."

An autopsy showed Willie had an enlarged heart.

Guards Thought Dead Teen Was Faking

Changes Recommended After Willie Durden's Death

Teen's Late Autopsy File Puzzles Lawmakers

Linda Harris

September 18, 2005

Linda Harris, age 12, died while being forcibly taken to a "time out" room at Chad Youth Enhancement Center in Tennessee. The coroner attributed Linda's death to a heart attack. Witnesses have said that Linda was "improperly restrained" at the time of her death. Two Deaths, a Sexual Assualt, and Many Other Abuses, but Tennessee Still Licenses Chad Youth Enhancement Center Coroner Rules 12 Year-Old had Heart Attack Child Dies at Youth Enhancement Center Witness Says Child Was Bleeding and in Restraints

Alex Harris

September 13, 2005

Alex Harris, age 12, died after being forced to run as punishment at Hope Youth Ranch in Louisiana. Staff members observed the boy from an air-conditioned truck. After Alex collapsed, another child picked him up, but dropped Alex when he began vomiting. Alex died of dehydration and head trauma. 8 staff members have been charged with negligent homicide. The district attorney has promised them no prison time in exchange for a guilty plea. Hope Youth Ranch Staff Members to go on Trial in October D.A. Offers No Jail Time in Death of Alex Harris 8 Arrested in Connection to Death at Hope Youth Ranch Child Dies at Hope Youth Ranch

Travis Parker

April 20, 2005

13 year-old Travis Parker died after being restrained at Appalachian Wilderness Camp in Cleveland, Georgia. Travis was held in a face-down restraint by 3 staff members for approximately 90 minutes. During the restraint, Travis complained of breathing problems and asked for his asthma rescue inhaler. Staff members refused. Staff members finally realized something was wrong after Travis went limp and stopped breathing. According to the autopsy, Travis' heart stopped during the restraint. His death was ruled a homicide. The staff members involved have since been charged with murder. The director of the facility was fired after refusing to take a lie-detector test. In a disturbing turn of events, prosecutors dropped all charges against the staff members just before their trial was to begin.

DA Will Not Pursue Any New Charges in Death of Travis Parker

No Further Charges in the Death of Travis Parker

Charges May Be Reduced for Staff Members who Killed Travis Parker

A June Trial for Staff Members Charged with Killing Travis Parker

The Sad Life of Travis Parker

Murder Charges in Death of Travis Parker Can Proceed

Staff Members Plead Not Guilty in Death of Travis Parker

Director of Appalachian Wilderness Camp Fired After Restraint Death

Accreditation of Appalachian Wilderness Camp Under Review

Georgia Determines that Deadly Face-Down Restraint Often Used

6 Counselors Charged with Murder in Death of Travis Parker at Appalachian Wilderness Camp

Death of Travis Parker Ruled a Homicide

Counselors Fired Following Restraint Death

Defiance was Fatal for Child at Appalachian Wilderness Camp

13 Year-Old Dies Following Restraint

Restraint Report from Protection and Advocacy, Inc.

Lakeisha Brown

April 9, 2005

Lakeisha Brown collapsed and died at Alexander Youth Services in Arkansas.

Lakeisha had been complaining of back pain and difficulty breathing for an extended period of time, however nurses at the facility ignored her complaints.

A doctor at the center described Lakeisha's repeated requests for medical help as "manipulative."

An autopsy determined that Lakeisha died due to a blood clot that had traveled to her lungs.

She was just 17 years-old.

Lawmakers Frustrated with Education Problems at Arkansas Teen Facility

Two Years After Keisha's Death, Legislators Upset by Conditions at Arkansas Youth Center

CRIPA Investigation of Alexander Youth Services Center

Mother of Lakeisha Brown Files Complaint with State and Lawsuit

Coroner: Lakeisha Brown Died From "Ongoing Problem"

Official: Alexander Youth Services Center had Widespread Problems

Lakeisha Brown Cried for Help; Got Too-Little Too-Late

Blood Clot Killed Lakeisha Brown; Only 17 Years-Old

Teen Dies at Alexander Youth Services Center

Roberto Reyes

November 3, 2004

Roberto Reyes, age 15, died at Thayer Learning Center in Missouri.

Roberto was covered with "unexplained" bruises, but the coroner attributed his death to a spider bite.

A state investigation revealed that Roberto was very ill for several days, but received no medical attention.

Investigators also concluded that records from the facility may have been falsified.

Roberto's family filed a wrongful death suit against Thayer Learning Center, but no criminal charges have been filed in connection with his death.

FBI Asks Justice Department to Review Death at Thayer Learning Center

FBI Investigating Thayer Learning Center

Death at Thayer Learning Center Stands Out in GAO Report

Youth "Escapes" from Thayer Learning Center

Thayer Learning Center Gets Congressional Scrutiny

GAO Report on Teen Program Abuse and Deaths

Boot Camp Nightmare Reported to GAO

Thayer Learning Center: A Need for Regulation in Missouri

Thayer Learning Center Part of National Investigation

Thayer Learning Center to Pay $1 Million in Death of Roberto Reyes

Probe into Death at Thayer Learning Center is Dormant

Parents of Roberto Reyes Seek Protection from Owners of Thayer Learning Center

Mormon Church, Sheriff Among Supporters of Thayer Learning Center

No Charges Against Thayer Learning Center for Death of Roberto Reyes

Parents and Staff Denounce Thayer Learning Center

Thayer Learning Center Sues Another Former Employee

Family Seeks to Add Medical Director to Lawsuit Against Thayer Learning Center

State Report Critical of Thayer Learning Center Now in the Hands of County Prosecutor

Parents Want Thayer Learning Center Closed

Court Documents: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Thayer Learning Center

Thayer Learning Center Sued for Wrongful Death - San Francisco Chronicle

Thayer Learning Center Sued for Wrongful Death

Report on Death at Thayer Learning Center Due Soon

Investigation Continues into Alleged Abuse at Thayer Learning Center

Bug Bite Blamed for Child's Death at Thayer Learning Center

Child Dies at Thayer Learning Center

Karlye Newman

October 7, 2004

Karlye Newman, 16, committed suicide at Spring Creek Lodge Academy, a WWASPS facility in Montana.

Information obtained by ISAC indicates that staff members "missed" the child during a head-count.

Karlye was later discovered in a bathroom, hanging from her own shirt.

Lawsuits Mount Against Spring Creek Lodge Academy

Montana PBS Documentary Featuring Spring Creek Lodge

Who's Watching Spring Creek Lodge Academy?

Child Commits Suicide at Spring Creek Lodge

Corey Baines

March 25, 2003

Corey Baines died while in the care of Catherine Freer Wilderness Expeditions in Oregon.

A tree limb fell on his tent as he slept.

Corey was the third child to die at the program in one year.

Another child was severely injured in 2005.

The state of Oregon continues to license the program.

Tree Limb Kills Boy at Catherine Freer Program

Orlena Parker

March 10, 2003

Orlena Parker, 15, died at Devereux Cleo Wallace Center, Colorado.

Orlena stopped breathing while she was being physically restrained by 7 staff members.

The El Paso County Coroner listed Orlena's cause of death as "undetermined."

Use of Restraints an Issue at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

Child Dies During Restraint; Tests Needed to Determine Cause of Death

Girl Dies Following Restraint at Devereux's Cleo Wallace Center

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