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

The death of a 12-year-old boy at Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy program, is under investigation after he was found unresponsive less than 24 hours after enrollment.

A 12-year-old boy was found dead at Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina, less than 24 hours after enrolling in the program.
The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office described the death as suspicious and an autopsy indicated the death appeared not to be natural.
Trails Carolina has faced scrutiny over its practices, with previous incidents and lawsuits highlighting concerns over camper safety and care.
Authorities reported that the camp has not fully cooperated with the investigation into the boy's death.
The camp, which charges around $715 per day, claims to help children and teens with behavioral or emotional difficulties through outdoor therapy.