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| Texas Teenager Dies In Wilderness Program |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 07/18/2002 |
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A Texas teenager has died in a wilderness program for troubled youths, the fifth teenager to die in such a program in Utah since 1990. During a hike Saturday about 70 miles west of Delta in Utah's west desert, Ian August, 14, of Austin, Texas, told organizers of the Skyline Journey program that he was thirsty. Less than two miles into the hike, he became dizzy and sat down, said Carol Sisco, spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, which licenses the state's wilderness programs. An emergency medical technician who was part of the group recognized August was in trouble and leaders called for help. The Millard County sheriff's office sent deputies, an ambulance, search-and-rescue personnel and a Life Flight helicopter. Employees of Skyline Journey performed CPR on August, but he died before emergency personnel arrived. The state medical examiner completed an autopsy during the weekend, but it was inconclusive. Morgue clerk Jason Ihrig said the examiner is awaiting toxicology reports. Skyline Journey officials said they would withhold detailed comment pending completion of a state investigation into the death. 'We would like to express our condolences to the family,' said Lee Wardle, Skyline Journey chief executive officer. 'This is a terrible tragedy.' The Nephi-based program is billed as an intensive outdoor program for troubled youths, combining direct treatment from licensed therapists with academics and outdoor experiences. There is a minimum 28-day stay. Skyline Journey notified the Department of Human Services immediately after the death, Sisco said. The department has sent a licensing investigator to the camp. August was part of a group of six students who went on a 'very short hike' in both mountain and valley terrain with three employees, Lee Wardle said. August passed a physical in Texas before starting the program and completed another physical on Friday, Sisco said. August had been in the program for a week, she said. |
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