Were You Abused at Obsidian Trails?
You may have legal options.
Bend, Oregon • Operated by Obsidian Trails
3
Documented Incidents
2
Lawsuits Filed
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What Happened at Obsidian Trails
Obsidian Trails, a wilderness program facility operating in Bend, Oregon, has faced serious safety incidents and legal challenges that highlight concerning patterns in its operations. The most severe incident occurred in 2000 with the death of William Edward Lee during a staff restraint, which resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit that was settled by the facility in 2002. Additionally, in 1999, two teenagers escaped from the program and subsequently committed an armed robbery, raising questions about the facility's security protocols and supervision practices. The documented incidents at Obsidian Trails reveal a troubling pattern of safety failures and inadequate oversight during a critical period of the program's operation. While the facility settled the wrongful death lawsuit related to William Lee's death, the specific terms and financial details of the settlement remain undisclosed. The combination of a fatality during staff intervention and participants escaping to commit violent crimes suggests systemic issues with staff training, restraint procedures, and program management that put vulnerable youth at risk. If you or someone you know was affected by incidents at Obsidian Trails or similar wilderness programs, it may be beneficial to consult with legal professionals who specialize in institutional abuse cases to understand your rights and options for seeking accountability.
- Location
- Bend, Oregon
- Facility Type
- private wilderness program
- Status
- active
Documented Incidents & Lawsuits
The following have been documented through news reports, court filings, and official investigations.
Obsidian Trails settles wrongful death lawsuit for William Lee
Obsidian Trails settled a wrongful death lawsuit related to the death of Eddie Lee (William Edward Lee) who died while in their youth therapy program. The settlement resolved the legal case stemming from his death during restraint by staff.
Source: Bend Bulletin →Death of William Edward Lee during staff restraint
15-year-old William Edward Lee died on September 18, 2000, while being restrained by staff members at Obsidian Trails wilderness camp. The medical examiner declared the death a homicide and was skeptical of the official cause of death.
Source: Herald and News →Two teenagers escape and commit armed robbery
In 1999, two teenagers ran away from an Obsidian Trails camp in north Lake County and stole a couple's truck at knifepoint. This incident highlighted security and supervision issues at the facility.
Source: Bend Bulletin →Your Legal Rights in Oregon
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Location
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