North Carolina state authorities recently issued a directive to cease new admissions at a wilderness camp. This is due to the death of a 12-year-old boy just one day after he arrived at the camp. The sad event marks the latest in a series of troubling events at Trails Carolina.
The young boy died on February 3, 2024, while at Trails Carolina, according to the camp’s media statement and the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. In response to the concerning developments, state officials decided to stop new admissions to the camp.
The sheriff’s office revealed that an autopsy showed that the boy’s death was “not natural.” However, the specific cause remains unknown. Two search warrants were carried out on the camp’s property in connection with the sad incident.
The state Department of Health and Human Services allege that the camp has yet to “completely” cooperate with the investigation. Moreover, Trails Carolina denied the camp’s children access until February 6, 2024. According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, this was two days after state social workers reported to the site.
Contrary to these allegations, the camp confirmed their cooperation, stating that any claim of non-cooperation is “false, reckless, and defamatory.” The camp responded officially: “Trails staff initiated life-saving efforts and called EMS. The sheriff and our staff have fully cooperated with the local law enforcement’s investigation.”
They continued, “Our staff voluntarily present themselves for interviews with law enforcement and other related public agencies.” Health and Human Services officials Mark Nenton and Susan Osborne requested a temporary pause on new camper admissions until the investigation is complete.
They requested in a letter addressed to Trails Carolina executive director Jeremy Whitworth. Additionally, the department specifically called for suspending bivy bags—collapsible, weatherproof, and one-person shelter bags. Also, the officials recommended a policy requiring at least one staff member to stay awake while the children sleep.
Furthermore, authorities insist state workers, health regulators, and law enforcement must have “unlimited and unannounced access” to cabins and campsites during the investigation. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services licenses the camp in question.
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As per the search warrants, upon police arrival, the boy, referred to as CJH, was on a mat on the floor of a bunkhouse. He was already “cold to touch.” The warrant also described CJH’s position, stating that he was lying on his back with his arms on his chest and his knees bent upwards toward the sky.
The boy wore a hoodie and T-shirt. However, according to the warrant, his pants and underwear were beside his shoulder, and none of the camp staff could explain why. Upon the detectives’ action of rolling the body over, he “began to foam at the mouth.”
This indicated that he took s of poison. Despite the camp’s objectives, it remains central to previous investigations, raising concerns about its operations and the safety of participants.
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