Parents Sue Discovery Ranch Academy After Teen’s Tragic Death

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

Biruk Silvers, a 17-year-old boy remembered by his parents as bright and talented, tragically passed away on November 5. His parents, Joshua and Kathryn Silvers, say his death was preventable and are now taking legal action against Discovery Ranch Academy in Mapleton, a residential treatment program for teens where Biruk had been staying since April.

Born in Ethiopia and adopted by the Silvers family in Chicago, Biruk struggled with mental health challenges. Despite their efforts to support him, his parents allege that Discovery Ranch failed to provide adequate care.

“We were promised partnership and transparency in his treatment, but they kept us in the dark,” Kathryn Silvers stated during a press conference on Monday.

Biruk’s death was ruled a suicide by asphyxiation. His parents allege the facility knew about his detailed plan to harm himself but failed to inform them or take appropriate action. According to Kathryn Silvers, the academy ignored critical safety precautions, such as removing a belt he used to take his life and addressing his participation in a dangerous choking game known as space monkeys.

On Monday, the Silvers announced their intent to sue Discovery Ranch, its staff, and the University of Utah, which employs the facility’s psychiatrist, citing gross negligence, medical malpractice, and systemic failures.

Our son needed help, but instead, he was left to suffer alone. We were deprived of the opportunity to intervene when he needed us most,” Kathryn said, fighting back tears.

The family’s attorney, Alan Mortensen, argued that Discovery Ranch prioritized profits over safety and failed to protect Biruk.

In response, Discovery Ranch Executive Director Clinton Dorny expressed condolences to the family, stating, We are deeply saddened by this loss and are cooperating fully with authorities in their investigation.

Advocate Meg Applegate, CEO of the group Unsilenced, also spoke at the press conference, criticizing Utah’s oversight of the troubled teen industry. This is not care or treatment—it’s harm and trauma, she said, urging the state to improve its regulation of such facilities.

The Silvers aim to raise awareness of systemic failures in youth treatment programs and seek justice for their son, Biruk, and others facing similar challenges.

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