Reports: Boy said 'Get off me, I can't breathe' before death
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State violation reports say three staffers at a private school for children with special needs in Philadelphia restrained and punched a 17-year-old student, who eventually died, after he was suspected of stealing an iPod and became aggressive.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, (http://bit.ly/2f9mwaz ) the state Department of Human Services reports say witnesses heard the teen being hit at Wordsworth Academy Oct. 13. The reports allege the teen said "Get off me. I can't breathe."
The boy, who hasn't been identified, died shortly thereafter.
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The reports also say some staffers were improperly trained in restraining children.
The school ceased operations at its residential treatment program earlier this week following a state order. The program serves youths who have emotional, behavioral or academic issues.
The academy says it's devastated by the allegations.
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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com