Steve Cartisano Death: Steve Cartisano was a well-known figure in the wilderness therapy industry, but his career was mired in controversy due to the methods he used to discipline and rehabilitate troubled teenagers. Despite his controversial past, his death in 2019 brought focus back to his life and career. This article sheds light on Steve Cartisano’s life, profession, and the circumstances of his passing.
Know Steve Cartisano
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen “Steve” Anthony Cartisano |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Modesto, California |
| Parents | Bonnie Lou Coley and Anthony Cartisano |
| Spouse | Deborah “Debbie” Lee Carr |
| Children | Four |
| Profession | Wilderness therapy entrepreneur |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Date of Death | May 4, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 63 |
Steve Cartisano was an entrepreneur who gained fame and criticism for founding wilderness therapy camps aimed at helping troubled teens. However, his methods and the tragic death of a participant led to significant controversies throughout his career.
How Did Steve Cartisano Die?
Steve Cartisano’s death was unexpected, even though he had been battling a serious illness for several years. On May 4, 2019, Steve passed away at his home in Durant, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family. The primary cause of his death was a heart attack, which occurred after he had endured six to seven years of battling stage 4 colon cancer. Despite his illness, his heart attack was sudden and came as a shock to those close to him.
Steve Cartisano Age at the Time of Death
Steve Cartisano was 63 years old when he passed away. Born on August 15, 1955, he had lived a life full of challenges, both personal and professional. His age highlights that while he battled health problems for years, his passing was still untimely.
What was Steve Cartisano’s Profession?
Steve Cartisano was a pioneer in the wilderness therapy industry, which focused on rehabilitating troubled teens through survival-based programs. His first venture, The Challenger Foundation, was designed to instill discipline in participants by making them earn basic privileges like food and water. The program gained popularity but also faced heavy criticism for its harsh methods.
After controversies forced The Challenger Foundation to shut down, Steve Cartisano continued working in similar therapy programs, including launching initiatives in the Caribbean. However, these programs were often accused of negligence, lack of licensing, and abusive practices.
Controversy Around Steve Cartisano’s Death
Although there was no controversy directly surrounding Steve Cartisano’s death, his life and career were filled with debates and scandals. His programs faced lawsuits and accusations, including claims of child abuse and negligence. In 1990, a 16-year-old girl died of heatstroke while participating in one of his camps. This tragic event led to a lawsuit for negligent homicide, although Steve and his company were later acquitted. Despite the acquittal, the negative publicity effectively ended his career in the United States.
