Wordsworth Academy stopping program following teen's death
WYNNEFIELD HEIGHTS (WPVI) -- The Wordsworth Academy in the Wynnefield Heights section of Philadelphia is shutting down its Residential Treatment Program after a teenager died following a struggle with at least three staff members.
In a statement Monday afternoon, the Academy says, "Upon notification by the PA Department of Human Services' Bureau of Human Service Licensing, the Wordsworth Residential Treatment Program on Ford Road in Philadelphia is ceasing operations."
Officials say they will use the time to improve its program by "enhancing operations, staff training, and our residential facility."
The program, according to the Academy, currently serves 90 children ranging in age from 10 to 21.
All the children will be transitioned to other facilities, the statement read.
All other Wordsworth programs will continue to operate.
The announcement comes after a 17-year-old boy died following a struggle at the building on the 3900 block of Ford Road on Thursday, October 13.
Detectives say faculty searched the student's room for something. After they left, he began barricading the door. Staff members tried to stop him, but the teen started striking them.
Police say during the attempt to gain control, the teen lost consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene. Sources also say that the teen was placed into a headlock.
Authorities have not ruled this a homicide, and are waiting for the medical examiner to see if the teen had any pre-existing conditions.
Police have not released the name of the teen who died.
