EXCLUSIVE: Father of Autistic Student Demands Answers from School

Yesterday’s tragic incident involving the drowning of young Gabriel Orellano, an autistic student from Stella Maris School in Belize City, has raised serious concerns about the school’s security measures. 

According to Gabriel’s father, Vidal Orellano, he said his 6-year-old son was mute.

Reports are that Gabriel managed to leave the school compound unnoticed on Monday afternoon. He wandered towards the seaside, where he tragically drowned.

Vidal said he didn’t learn of his son’s disappearance until later, and when he approached the school for answers, he was met with silence. “All of them, they shut up and stay quiet,” he stated.

He said teachers told him that his son was by the hangar area but gave no additional information. “When I went there and when I saw my little boy lying down there, passed away,” he said.

“They failed my son because if it was lunchtime, they should have a shift,” he said.

Vidal questioned what happened since the gate is usually closed, and the students are not allowed to leave the campus. He said, “Why was the gate open? Where was the security guard?” he asked.

“The school is keeping quiet,” he said, adding, “I entrusted them with my baby. And that’s my only son… it was only me and him.”

Reports indicate that Gabriel’s body was found less than 30 minutes after a police officer saw him alone on Wilson Street and reported it to 911. However, authorities failed to respond in time.