MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bartlett Police confirmed to ABC24 that they along with the Department of Children’s Services are investigating the death of a 17-year-old from Youth Villages.
Bartlett Police said the teen died after being taken to the hospital Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, after a “reported incident” at 7386 Memphis-Arlington. That’s the location of the Bartlett campus of Youth Villages. BPD said no further information is available.
We reached out to Youth Villages, and a representative said they are waiting on third-party investigations, and pointed to the following statement on their website:
“An incident occurred at one of our campuses on Thursday, Nov. 16. A young person in our care experienced a medical emergency. We do not know the cause of the medical emergency.
The young people in our care are continually supported by physicians, nurse practitioners and nursing staff. Medical staff, including a nurse practitioner, registered nurse and EMT, were on site during the incident. The young person received immediate emergency medical attention and was hospitalized. The young person passed away in the hospital.
Due to confidentiality laws involving children who receive mental and behavioral health care, we cannot discuss individual cases or health issues related to youth receiving help in our programs. However, we can confirm that many of the statements and comments circulating on social media now are false. Specifically, there were no abusive or otherwise inappropriate interactions directed toward the young person.
We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and loss of a child. Our thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.
We help youth with the most severe mental, emotional behavioral challenges at our intensive residential centers. The care and well-being of the young people we help is always our most important concern.
Our staff are trained in behavioral interventions and follow strict protocols when working with the young people we serve. All interventions are reviewed internally, and, if necessary, are subject to third-party review. We are working closely with all relevant public safety and health authorities and awaiting the official medical reports.
We will provide updates as we are able.”
Tennessee DCS sent a statement saying, "The Department of Children’s Services is saddened any time there is loss of life involving a youth. We can confirm an investigation has commenced in this case, and we are working alongside our law enforcement partners."
