LAKE TOXAWAY, NC (LOOTPRESS) – On Friday, February 2, 2024, a 12-year-old male was transported per his parents by two men from New York to Trails Carolina Camp at 500 Winding Gap Rd, Lake Toxaway, N.C. The Department of Health and Human Services licenses the Trails Carolina Camp as a therapeutic camp. After intake, the 12-year-old was assigned to a cabin for lodging with other minors. There were four adult staff members from Trails Carolina Camp also assigned to the cabin.
At 8:10 am on Saturday, February 3, 2024, a call was made to the 911 Center in reference to the 12-year-old male not breathing. Fire/Rescue personnel were dispatched along with deputies. According to camp staff, CPR efforts were made, and a CPR mask was found at the scene. Upon arrival, rescue efforts were initiated and then stopped as the child appeared to be deceased for some time. Deputies requested investigative staff who arrived shortly after 9:00 am to process the scene and collect evidence. The local Medical Examiner responded to the scene as well, and the 12-year-old was transported to the local hospital for a preliminary examination by the medical examiner.
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 before his death. An autopsy was conducted on February 6, 2024, and the forensic pathologist conducting it stated to investigators that the death appeared not to be natural. However, the manner and cause of death are still pending.
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, investigators applied for and were granted two search warrants for two separate locations of Trails Carolina Camp located in Transylvania County, which were served and executed simultaneously. One location was at the base camp on 500 Winding Gap Rd, Lake Toxaway, N.C. 28747, where the incident occurred. The second was at 618 Sundance Lake Rd, Pisgah Forest, N.C. 28768. The second location at 618 Sundance Lake Rd was because Trails Carolina Camp had moved the other juvenile campers from the cabin where the incident occurred to that location. Trails Carolina Camp has not completely cooperated with the investigation.
According to Trails Carolina Camp, The staff members assigned to the cabin where the incident occurred were reportedly placed on leave.
The investigation continues, and the report generated by the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner may not be available for several months.
