Michael Wiltsie
Michael Wiltsie was 12 years old when he died on February 5, 2000, while held at Camp E-Kel-Etu in Marion County, Florida. Investigations said a counselor held him in a full-body restraint and stayed on top of him, and concluded that he died of asphyxia. Reports on his death say he repeatedly told staff that he could not breathe. His mother, Linda Ibarra, said he needed mental health treatment and had been taken off his psychiatric medication.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). Investigators and a Department of Children & Families death review concluded he died of asphyxia after a counselor held him in a full-body restraint and stayed on top of him, while his family says he needed mental health treatment and had been taken off his psychiatric medication.
Reported by: Investigations (outside investigators); Department of Children & Families death review; his family.