1. Transylvania County wilderness therapy camp child death
2. Wilderness therapy camp child fatality in Transylvania County.
Trails Carolina Investigating Death of 12-Year-Old Boy
The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy who passed away on February 3rd at Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy camp located in Lake Toxaway. This devastating incident marks the second resident death at the camp since 2014.
Background and Camp Information
Trails Carolina, situated at 500 Winding Gap Road, operates as a licensed residential therapeutic camp under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The camp, which offers a unique wilderness therapy program, has been inspected by the NCDHHS in the past. In response to the recent death, Summer Tonizzo, spokesperson for NCDHHS, expressed their sympathy and confirmed that the department was notified by Trails Carolina about the tragic incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The authorities are still in the process of conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young boy’s death. Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby stated that numerous factors are involved in the case, making it a complex investigation. Autopsy results and other crucial information are currently being awaited.
In a previous incident, which occurred in 2014, a teenager lost his life at the camp. According to the Times-News, 17-year-old Alec Sanford Lansing from Atlanta had gone camping with Trails Carolina and had ventured off on his own through the forest. The autopsy conducted by pathologist Dr. William Selby revealed that the cause of death was hypothermia, with a broken hip listed as an additional significant factor.
About Trails Carolina
Trails Carolina aims to provide a transformative experience for students and their families, interrupting negative behaviors and initiating the healing process. The camp combines the proven impact of a wilderness experience with a residential and academic base campus environment. In 2012, Trails Carolina leased and renovated the former Eckerd camp property and opened the Academy of Trails Carolina, which offers a therapeutically supported academic program for boys in grades nine through 12.
Current Status and Contact
As of now, no response has been received from Trails Carolina regarding the recent incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the young boy who tragically lost his life at Trails Carolina. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and thorough investigations in such environments.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions, and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
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1. Transylvania County wilderness therapy camp child fatality
2. Tragic incident of child death at Transylvania County wilderness therapy camp.
