Dafne Zapata Quintos Martínez, 13, arrived at the Marina Doenitz Military Academy in Ciudad Madero, Mexico, on July 13 for a military-style summer camp. Throughout the camp, parents were prohibited from contacting their children directly, with staff instead providing updates on their wellbeing.
Four days later, on July 17, Dafne's mother, Alejandra Quintos, received a call from the academy informing her that her daughter had died. She told local media: "I handed her over alive and healthy. She came here for a summer course, a military-style camp."
Initial symptoms and death
According to Alejandra, staff member Estrella Mora had previously told her that Dafne had vomited and fainted face-first during a physical activity on July 14, splitting her lip. She was later reassured that the teenager had improved after treatment with medication and fluids, and after being seen by a specialist. But on July 17, Alejandra said Dafne was suffering from coughing, vomiting and incontinence, and was being given medication. Minutes later, she received the call about Dafne's death.
When Alejandra arrived at the academy from the family home in Ciudad Mante, she said Dafne's body had already been placed in a body bag. The death certificate lists the cause of death as "asphyxia caused by submersion".
Allegations of mistreatment
Days after Dafne's death, a girl who had attended the camp—which cost parents £1,071—claimed Dafne had been pushed and fell face-first before being "punished". The girl alleged: "When Dafne was standing, they pushed her and she fell face-first. Then they took her to the room, and when they punished her, they would submerge her face in water, and when she couldn’t take it any more, they would make her keep running."
According to Dafne's grandmother, the teenager had injuries in different areas of her face. "They beat her, I know they beat her," she told local media. Several parents went to the academy to collect their children the day after Dafne's death. The children have since given statements to prosecutors. One allegedly claimed students were forced to take drugs to endure training sessions, while another alleged they were forced to hit each other.
Director's response and investigation
The academy's director, Jorge Luis Ponce Ortega, has denied allegations of mistreatment and told prosecutors that Dafne arrived at the camp with an undetected pre-existing medical issue. He told local media: "She suddenly collapsed while she was showering and never woke up."
Dafne's family say they will be hiring independent experts for a second autopsy. The Tamaulipas Prosecutor's Office has sealed off the academy building as the investigation continues. A tribute to Dafne said she "loved her little dogs and looked after them with immense patience and love." Her mother said: "I love you, my Dafne. I will fight for justice until my last breath."
