An investigation is underway after a 12-year-old boy died at a North Carolina naturopathic camp just one day after enrolling in a controversial program, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office says. .
On Friday, Feb. 2, a 12-year-old male was transported from New York to Trails Carolina Camp on Lake Toxaway by two men with the consent of his parents, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
After ingestion, the boy was assigned to a cabin to stay with other minors. Four adult staff members were also reportedly assigned to the cabin.
At 8:10 a.m. the next morning, police received a call that a 12-year-old male was not breathing.
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A 12-year-old boy was found dead at a wellness therapy camp in North Carolina on Saturday, one day after attending the program, according to multiple reports. (Google Maps)
First responders were dispatched to the camp along with deputies. Camp staff said CPR efforts were made.
Rescue efforts began soon after arriving, but were called off after paramedics said the boy had been dead for “some time.”
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a young life and extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family and loved ones,” Camp said in a written statement to Fox Carolina. “Our priority is to recognize and respect the tremendous impact on their lives and maintain the integrity of the investigation.”
The campaign said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities and plans to conduct an internal investigation into the incident.
“While we understand the need and value of keeping the public informed, protecting the privacy of families and the privacy and well-being of our students and staff is our primary concern,” Camp said. is writing.
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Deputies said an autopsy found the boy’s death to be suspicious because he had just arrived at the camp within 24 hours of his death.
A forensic pathologist told investigators that the death does not appear to be natural, but the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.
Trails Carolina says on its website that the mission of its natural therapy program is to give children confidence, coping mechanisms, and communication skills to help them become their best selves.
The program, which also costs about $715 per day depending on the student’s age, focuses on repairing family relationships and helping teens deal with behavioral or emotional issues and succeed academically. I am dedicated to supporting you.
The camp also says it has a track record of “proven results” using a “compassionate method” based on the “natural healing effects of outdoor behavioral care.”
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This is also not the first time a death has occurred at Trails Carolina, WYFF reports, after missing Atlanta teenager Alec Lansing, 17, ran away from the program in 2014. He died of hypothermia.
Trails Carolina was fined $12,000 but allowed to continue operating.
Kathleen Riley, who was 16 at the time, detailed her experience in a 2021 interview with WBTV Chicago, saying the experience left her even worse than when she arrived. Riley and another person in the program described spending weeks in the wilderness without access to showers or other basic sanitation, calling it emotional and psychological trauma and training. He explained that he had little time with the therapist he received.
“I remember lying there every night and praying to a God I didn’t believe in: ‘If you just take me out of here, I promise you that I will do everything I can to save any child from having to go through this. I will,’” Riley said.
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Trails Carolina is one of dozens of so-called “troubled teen” facilities that have come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with survivors detailing alleged abuse they suffered while attending the camp. Tsuda.
Trails Carolina did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the suspicious death.
