Zy’kiria Bell
Zy’kiria Bell was 17, and her aunt Sophia Bing described her as very loving and someone who would not stand for mistreatment. She died on May 29, 2024, at Lake Academy, a Florida juvenile residential program in Tampa run by TrueCore Behavioral Solutions under a state contract. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, though the autopsy report has not been released. Her aunt and lawyers say they were told she died by suicide in her room, an account they dispute because she had no history of self-harm and they question why staff were not watching her. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and a state inspector general are investigating, and the state later canceled the contract with the operator.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). Authorities say the medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, but her family and lawyers dispute that, noting she had no history of self-harm, and question why staff were not watching her.
Reported by: Hillsborough County medical examiner, as relayed by authorities (medical examiner or coroner); her aunt Sophia Bing and lawyers (family or their lawyers).
Sources (5)
- Girls moved out of juvenile detention facility after 17-year-old's death
- Teachers say they were attacked by students at residential juvenile detention facility where girl died
- After 17-year-old dies at Tampa facility, state moves kids out, terminates contract
- Teen’s death in state care ruled a suicide; family still questioning how it happened
- Girl's death, other issues, spark concerns involving other Florida facilities run by TrueCore