Student on Study Abroad Program dies in Ecuador

Pepperdine Student Dies in Ecuador

Sophomore Cameron Johnson was enrolled in the university’s Buenos Aires, Argentina study abroad program.

Pepperdine University students and staff mourned the death of a second student at the end of last week. Sophomore Cameron Johnson was found dead in the village of Baños, Ecuador, just six days after freshman Daniela Benavides was killed in a New Year’s Day car crash in her hometown of Key Biscayne, Florida.

Johnson was enrolled in the university’s Buenos Aires, Argentina study abroad program, and was traveling during Christmas break with fellow Pepperdine students when he reportedly slipped and fell to his death. It is unknown whether he was with other students at the time of his fall. Pepperdine president Andrew Benton said that, although he has not yet received an official report, his first sources believe Johnson’s death was an accident and that no foul play was involved.

Baños — the location of Johnson’s death — is a small tourist town located about three hours south of Ecuador’s capital city. It is located in a valley and named after its thermal baths. The village is also well known for its waterfalls and various outdoor activities, which include canyoning, bungee jumping and zip lining.

“I do have the impression he fell from a significant height, but I don’t know if it was a path, bridge or ledge,” Benton said. “Dealing with foreign agencies in a different language has presented some challenges.” Read Article

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