State report on Thayer Learning Center released to prosecutor

A report prepared by the Missouri Division of Family Services State Technical Assistance Team regarding the death of 15-year-old Roberto Reyes at the Thayer Learning Center in Kidder was recently released to Caldwell County Prosecutor Jason Kanoy.

The report concluded that “Based on interviews and witness accounts, it appears that those responsible for the safety and well being of Roberto Reyes failed to recognize his medical distress, and to provide access to appropriate medical evaluation and/or treatment. Interviews and evidence also suggest significant contradictions and possible deliberate falsification of written records.”

Roberto died Nov. 3, less than a week after enrolling at the camp. An autopsy cited complications from rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle fibers, and said the condition was probably due to a spider or insect bite. Initial reports from a state review panel indicated the boy likely died from a brown recluse spider bite, but might have survived with more immediate medical attention.

Caldwell County Sheriff Kirby Brelsford requested additional assistance from the STAT team to further investigate the circumstances surrounding Roberto’s death. The report contains summaries of interviews with Thayer employees gathered during the investigation that began on Nov. 4.

Roberto’s parents, Gracia and Victor Reyes, had earlier filed a lawsuit in Buchanan County against Thayer, three of its employees, and referral company Parent Help Inc., relating to Roberto’s death. That petition seeks more than $25,000 in damages. The Reyes are asking a Buchanan County court to include the findings of the state investigation into their wrongful-death lawsuit.

Mr. Kanoy said he is still reviewing the state’s 275-page report and hasn’t decided yet whether he will file any charges.