– 12 year old boy wilderness camp
– N.C. wilderness camp death.

12-Year-Old Boy Dies at North Carolina Wilderness Camp

Background Information

A tragic incident occurred last week at Trails Carolina, a wilderness camp located near Brevard, in western North Carolina. The camp has been under investigation by WBTV since May 2021, following allegations of abuse and malfeasance from former participants and a former staff member. Despite these concerns, parents continue to send their children to this program, seeking therapeutic support for high-risk youth.

The Incident

On February 3, Transylvania County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the camp in response to an unresponsive participant. Medical personnel arrived to find evidence of CPR being performed but unfortunately, the 12-year-old boy appeared to have been deceased for some time. The participant had been taken to the camp just one day earlier, on February 2.

Cause of Death

An autopsy has been conducted, revealing that the boy’s death was not natural. However, the exact manner and cause of death are pending further investigation. Deputies have executed two search warrants as part of their ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.

Conflicting Statements

The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) released a statement claiming that Trails Carolina Camp has not fully cooperated with the investigation. However, a spokeswoman for the camp vehemently denies this accusation in a separate statement, asserting that their staff initiated life-saving efforts, called for emergency medical services, and fully cooperated with law enforcement’s inquiries.

Regulatory Oversight

WBTV’s investigation has also shed light on the loose regulation of wilderness therapy programs like Trails Carolina. State regulators, responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, have been criticized for their lack of oversight. Despite the law requiring inspections every 12-15 months, records indicate that some inspections have been missed, and violations found have not been adequately addressed.

The Need for Change

Meg Appelgate, CEO of the nonprofit organization Unsilenced, emphasizes the importance of addressing the lack of regulation surrounding wilderness therapy programs. Appelgate explains that parents expect safety and treatment for their children but often find these expectations unmet. She hopes that this tragic incident serves as a wake-up call to North Carolina legislators, urging them to take action and prioritize the safety of the state’s youth.

Final Words

The death of this 12-year-old boy at Trails Carolina is a devastating loss. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to examine the regulatory oversight of wilderness therapy programs to prevent similar incidents in the future. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on available sources and may be subject to change as the investigation progresses.