Background on Erick Torbellin and the School
Erick Torbellin, a 13-year-old student, tragically passed away on April 25, 2025, during a school-organized camp in Cuernavaca, Morelos. Erick attended the Academia Militarizada Ollin Cuauhtémoc, an educational institution that blends academic learning with military-style discipline and structure. Erick aspired to become a great military officer, according to his family.
The Academia Militarizada Ollin Cuauhtémoc
Located in the Santa María de la Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City, this institution promotes itself as an educational establishment that combines academic learning with military-style discipline. The school’s social media presence showcased its offerings, values, and the development of its students, who were taught to become “victorious women and men.”
The school claimed that its militarized approach would enhance students’ academic performance and contribute to their physical, emotional, and mental balance while reinforcing values such as responsibility, leadership, honor, and love. However, this approach created tension between the strict military discipline and the supposed promotion of family and social values from a humanist perspective.
Allegations of Abuse and Maltreatment
Following Erick’s death, his family reported signs of physical violence on his body and accused the school of abusive and violent disciplinary practices. These practices reportedly included extreme physical exercises and food restriction as punishment.
Moreover, parents have alleged that school authorities used verbal violence against students, including insults and bullying those who disobeyed orders or deviated from the program.
School Closure Following Investigation
On April 28, the Instituto de Verificación Administrativa (INVEA) of Mexico City temporarily suspended the school’s activities due to irregularities found during inspections. The school lacked authorization for off-campus excursions and failed to secure necessary permissions for student participation.
Although the provisional closure wasn’t directly linked to Erick’s death, pressure from protests by his family and classmates prompted the inspections. The case is now under investigation by the Fiscalía de la Ciudad de México, led by Edgar Maldonado, who has assured Erick’s family of continued case follow-up.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Erick Torbellin? Erick Torbellin was a 13-year-old student at the Academia Militarizada Ollin Cuauhtémoc who aspired to become a military officer.
- What happened at the school? Erick died during a school-organized camp, sparking allegations of abusive and violent disciplinary practices by the school.
- What are the allegations against the school? Parents have accused the school of using extreme physical punishments, food restriction as punishment, and verbal abuse from school authorities.
- What actions were taken by the authorities? The Instituto de Verificación Administrativa (INVEA) temporarily closed the school due to irregularities, including lack of authorization for off-campus activities.
- What is the current status of the investigation? The Fiscalía de la Ciudad de México, led by Edgar Maldonado, is investigating Erick’s case.
