Trails Carolina, a former wilderness therapy facility outside of Asheville, North Carolina, is facing another class action lawsuit.
The firm Justice Law Collaborative filed the suit, which claims the program misled parents, charged outrageous fees and created an abusive environment. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the now-shuttered camp.
The complaint details how Trails Carolina allegedly profited off of the promotion of its wilderness and residential program and details how numerous materials were intentionally left out of its marketing, which misled parents into a false sense of security.
It also claims the camp did not disclose public incidents of prior abuse, neglect and food and clothing deprivation.
The law firm said several parents have reached out and shared their "horrific stories" of what their child witnessed while in the care of Trails Carolina.
The program is no longer in operation following the February 2024 death of a 12-year-old while in the care of Trails Carolina. The child had only been at the facility for 24 hours, according to the medical examiner’s report.
The death was ruled a homicide. No criminal charges were brought against the camp.
The 2024 death was the second reported death at Trails since it opened in 2008. Reports show in 2014, a 17-year-old died after attempting to run away.
The property is currently up for sale. Spectrum News 1 reached out to the camp for comment on the newly filed lawsuit, but did not hear back in time for this report.
The camp provided the following statement back in February as the one-year anniversary of the camper's death rolled around:
“The loss of a child is an incredible tragedy. Our hearts have been, and will continue to be, with the family and all those affected. We hope that now, a year later, the family and everyone involved will finally be given the space to process and heal.
“Trails Carolina provided clinical services to over 2,700 students over the years, many of whom report positive, life-changing experiences. We hope these positive stories may also receive the recognition they deserve.”
