Kenneth Barkley - 2014

15-year-old year old Kenneth Barkley died as result of a restraint attempt. The group home run by OhioGuidestone placed the employee responsible on leave but did little to provide new guidelines for when to attempt restraining the children placed at the home which potentially could place other children in harm in the future. The authorities ruled his death a homicide.

For the family of Kenneth Barkley the death was tragic and they suffered a terrible loss.

May the poor boy find peace where he is now.




Sources:

• Death of teen who was physically restrained at Berea group home ruled homicide (cleveland.com)
• Medical Examiner: Death of teen at Berea group home is a homicide (Cleveland 19 news)

(Unknown girl) - 2014

A 15-year-old girl died as result of a suicide at Summit School best known in the public when a boy died after being pushed from a window as result of a poor mix of room mates.

It is tragic for family of the girl who suffered a terrible loss.

May she find peace where she is now.

Sources:

• 15-year-old's death at Summit school ruled suicide (Lohud)
• Girl dies at Summit School in Upper Nyack (New 12 Westchester)

Cristian Cuellar-Gonzales - 2014

15 year old Cristian Cuellar-Gonzales died as result of a fight with an old boy. It is unknown why the two boys were unsupervised at the time of the fight. It is not the first death at the ranch. In 1991 another boy mentioned in this blog died as result of restraint by the staff at the ranch. Of course the state is once again looking at the ranch trying to determine if they want to risk a third death in the future.

But regardless of the outcome of this investigation, the fact remains that a family lost their boy. It is a tragedy impacting the entire family.

May he find peace where he is now.

Source:
State faults treatment center in death of Travis County teen (My Statesman)

Khalil Todd - 2014

12 year old Khalil Todd died as result of a traffic accident which happened just outside the group home, named The Lighthouse where he was forced to live. It is unclear why he was allowed to walk near the road wearing all black clothes which meant that it was difficult for drivers to see him when it is dark. The group home got its license suspended after the death occured.

It seems that the employees took little concern about where the boys in the so-called all Christian facility played. According to neighbors they did little to prevent this tragedy. A place out there a family now miss their boy.

May he find peace where he is now.


Sources:

• Boy, 12, dies after being hit by car outside group home (WRAL news)
• Group home suspended, fined after 12-year-old resident killed (WRAL news)
• Woman speaks out about group home where child was struck, killed (ABC 11)

Alec Sanford Lansing - 2014

Trying to overcome loss in the family 17 year old Alec Sanford Lansing was placed at Trails Carolina, which is marketed as some kind of wilderness thing. During an outing he needed time for himself leading him to leave his group. During his time alone he fell and broke a bone. Unfortunately he fell in water which cooled him down causing his death.

Sometime away from home is not the answer when it comes to deal with personal loss. Marketing and television shows have made many believe that wilderness based treatment is safe. But nature can be cruel and unforgiving.

It is double tragedy for those left behind. First dealing with the loss which lead to his treatment. Then the loss of Alec himself.

May he find peace where he is now.

Source
Autopsy: Missing teen died of hypothermia in Nantahala (Blue Ridge Now)