Tragic Death at Trails Carolina

• 🚨 A 12-year-old boy died within 24 hours of arriving at Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy camp, with his death later ruled a homicide by asphyxia due to smothering.
• ⚠️ The boy was found cold and stiff in a bivy sack, turned 180 degrees, with the waterproof material covering his face, despite warnings against fully zipping the outer layer.
• 🔍 Autopsy revealed petechiae (burst blood vessels) in his lips and eyes, and bruising on his thighs and hip, suggesting mechanical pressure rather than just running out of air.

Camp's Non-Cooperation and Allegations

• 🚫 The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office reported that Trails Carolina staff and juveniles refused to cooperate with the investigation into the boy's death.
• 💬 The boy experienced a panic attack on his first night, and counselors reportedly checked on him but were later found to have been asleep.
• 💰 The camp, costing thousands of dollars, is described as unregulated, with staff often unequipped to handle mental health issues.

Traumatic Camper Experiences

• 🏕️ Former camper Leanne Roberts, who attended at age 12, described a "traumatizing" experience including strip searches, inadequate food and gear, and being forced to wear adult diapers due to denied bathroom breaks.
• 💔 Many children are subjected to "gooning" or escort services, where strangers transport them to camps, often involving traumatic awakenings and forced undressing.
• 🗣️ Parents are often deceived by camps, being told their children's complaints are lies, which reinforces trust in the program despite the abuse.

Industry-Wide Concerns

• 📈 The "troubled teen industry" sees 120,000 to 200,000 children annually in similar programs, with reports of malnourishment, beatings, and solitary confinement.
• ❌ Trails Carolina's license has been revoked by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, though the camp has an opportunity to appeal this decision.
• 🎗️ This tragic death highlights a pattern, as another child, Alec Lansing, also died at Trails Carolina years prior, underscoring systemic issues.