KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — UPDATE: WOOD TV 8 has identified the 16-year-old victim as Cornelius Fredericks. The incident remains under investigation.
— Original Story —
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that it will be investigating Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo after the death of a 16-year-old resident.
Previously, police were called to the teenage behavioral institute on Wednesday, April 29, for a report of a resident who had gone unconscious. The teen went into cardiac arrest after being restrained for throwing a sandwich, according to WWMT and MLive.
Emergency responders were able to revive the teen, but he died Friday morning at Bronson Hospital. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) had already launched an investigation, but they are now being joined by MDHHS officials. WOOD TV 8 states that the investigation is being observed by the Michigan Attorney General’s office.
As a result of this incident, at least 34 of Michigan’s 47 residents have been removed from the facility by state officials, according to MLive’s investigation into the matter. They may be placed in different facilities, foster homes, or returned to their own homes depending on the individual cases. WWMT reported that the state plans to remove all 47 of its own residents.
Some out of state residents who were lodged at Lakeside have since been removed by their respective state authorities, including two who were originally from Oregon. WWMT also reported that other residents sent back to their home states include some from Tennessee, Minnesota, Indiana and more.
The program houses 125 residents in total.
Furthermore, in a Target 8 Investigation, WOOD TV reported that KDPS confirmed several teens fled the facility in the aftermath of the incident. All residents have been located and returned, but one 15-year-old boy currently remains under “truant” status.
Lakeside Academy is now under investigation by MDHHS to determine whether a violation of its license has taken place.
In the days following the death of the teenage resident, MLive, WWMT and WOOD TV 8 have launched their own investigations, all of which have revealed a number of complaints against the facility regarding its staff and procedures.
Before moving students to another location, they will all be tested for COVID-19, as reports say that two staff members and two students had previously tested positive for the virus. Those who test positive may still be moved, but staff members say that other facilities want the information ahead of time.
Lakeside Academy had previously released the following statement after the death –
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a student at Lakeside Academy after being restrained by staff during an incident on campus. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man and are focused on supporting them and our school community. While we are not providing additional details at this time out of respect for the privacy of the family and the ongoing law enforcement investigation, we are cooperating fully with the Kalamazoo Police Department and will use every tool at our disposal to investigate this incident, support those affected, and take appropriate disciplinary action. The health and well-being of our students is our top priority and all personnel at our facilities are trained to provide the highest quality of care. This incident does not reflect our mission to serve and care for our clients with excellence and we are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure something like this does not happen again.”
The death remains under investigation at this time and will be updated as more information becomes available.
