Preteen dies at North Carolina therapy camp within 24 hours of arrival, probe underway into ‘suspicious’ death

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NORTH CAROLINA, TRANSYLVANIA: A 12-year-old boy died tragically, merely a day after he arrived at a wilderness therapy youth camp in North Carolina.

Allegations of non-cooperation from the camp staff have surfaced amid ongoing investigations.

Transylvania County Sheriff’s office revealed that the unidentified pre-teen was taken to Trails Carolina camp by two individuals from New York with his parents' consent.

Upon reaching the camp, he was supposed to lodge in a cabin alongside fellow children and supervised by four adult staff members.

Additional insights into the circumstances surrounding the pre-teen's untimely passing have emerged from the police report, as detailed by DailyMail.

Police recovered dead 12-year-old boy at Trails Carolina camp

On Saturday, February 3, at approximately 8.10 am, a 911 call reported a 12-year-old who was unresponsive. Upon arrival, rescue efforts were initiated, but were subsequently halted as the child appeared to have been deceased for some time.

Authorities stated, "The child was sent for autopsy to Winston Salem as his death appeared suspicious since he had arrived at the camp less than 24 hours prior to his death."

The forensic pathologist informed investigators that the death did not seem to be natural, although the exact manner and cause of death remain pending.

The sheriff’s office disclosed that Trails Carolina camp has not fully cooperated with the investigation.

Additionally, it was mentioned that staff members who were assigned to the cabin where the incident occurred have been placed on leave.

On Tuesday, February 6, search warrants were executed at two different locations, focusing on the Trails Carolina Camp in Lake Toxaway and another site in Pisgah Forest.

The latter was chosen as the camp had relocated the remaining juvenile campers from the cabin where the incident occurred, to that specific area.

What did Trails Carolina say?

In an extensive statement released on Thursday, February 8, via local ABC affiliate WLOS, Trails Carolina contested the sheriff’s office assertion, asserting that they were "fully cooperating with investigators", as per Law&Crime.

They were informed that initial reports indicated the death was accidental, though details regarding the circumstances of the boy's death were not provided.

The report emphasized the need to avoid speculation until the investigations are complete, labeling premature assumptions as "detrimental, counterproductive, and irresponsible".

It warned that individuals spreading false or misleading information would be publicly identified and held accountable while the camp continued to prioritize the communication of facts and truth.

Furthermore, the statement clarified the sequence of events following the discovery of the deceased 12-year-old boy, vehemently denying any contrary assertions as "false, reckless, and defamatory".

As the investigation progresses, an autopsy by the North Carolina medical examiner is being conducted.

While the final report remains pending, preliminary findings do not indicate any evidence of foul play.

The camp reiterated its commitment to collaborating with CPS to ensure appropriate decisions regarding staff in the immediate aftermath. The statement concluded by emphasizing the inappropriateness of speculation and the importance of respecting the grieving family.

It urged an end to speculations and interference, cautioning against exploiting the tragedy to "advance any agenda".