Unknown - 2002

Years have gone by but today 14 years ago an unnamed 15-year-old girl died while she was forced to attend the now closed infamous Catherine Freer Wilderness program. It is was the second death that year at this program and one out of 3 death while the program was operating, which made it one of the most deadliest wilderness programs to attend.

The founder closed the program years later without warning so the employees and students at a boarding school the owner also ran was caught by surprise. Everything was really for profit and had nothing to do with the woman the program was named after. The owner just happens to know her.

It is very sad that this girl remains unnamed because it wasn't her fault that she was thrown into this dangerous enterprise. Based on what marketing material looked like and the little knowledge about the real danger of wilderness programs, it wasn't the fault of her parents either.

It was a tragedy waiting to happen but who could have prevented it? None.

May she find peace where she is now.


Sources:

• Staff list (HEAL-online)
• Factsheet about the program (Fornits Wiki)
• Wilderness therapy school closes abruptly (Albany Democrat Herald)

Charles William Chase Moody - 2002

17-year-old Charles Moody was sent to the wilderness program named "On Track Wilderness". During the hike the counselors decided to restrain him and that caused his death burried live under a pile of counselors without being able the breathe properly.

His death was only one out of many death which occured in similar matter.

The Brown Schools which operated the wilderness program closed only a few years later. Lawsuits were taking their toll on the organization.

However the closure of both wilderness program and the schools came too late for Charles Moody. May he find peace where he is now.


Sources:

• When discipline turns fatal (American Statesman - Project Nospank)
• A Father's quest (NBC Dateline)
• 358. On Track Wilderness Program (1000 places You don't want to be as a teenager)

Maria Mendoza - 2002

The type of restraint method used on 14-year-old Maria Mendoza has been shown to be deadly. It was known before she died but training of the employees were not good enough and that caused her untimely tragic death. The restraint was investigated and later ruled a homicide by the Harris County medical examiner's office.

The facility later changed their approach but it was too late for poor Maria.

May she find peace where she is now.


Sources:

• Girl's restraint death is ruled a homicide (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
• Krause: Common restraint used on girl who suffocated (Your Houston News))