CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Another North Carolina residential treatment facility has come under fire after two young girls died by suicide within the same month there, according to authorities.
It happened at Asheville Academy, a residential treatment facility in Weaverville with ties to Trails Carolina — both Oregon-based wilderness therapy programs operating in North Carolina. Trails was shuttered after the death of a 12-year-old boy in the camp's care.
A letter from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirms the suicides happened on May 3 and May 29.
“Our hearts are with the families of two young girls at Asheville Academy. BCSO Patrol, CID, and CSI responded to two suicides involving juveniles there this month. We understand that there are many questions. BCSO is in contact with NCDHHS, the agency that regulates the facility. And our priority is ensuring the families have everything they need.”
Records from the sheriff’s office reveal 18 incident reports at Asheville Academy since 2016. These include a suicide attempt, three sex offenses, a missing juvenile, four assaults, an overdose, two child abuse reports, one case of neglect, three runaways and one DSS referral.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched an investigation on May 8 and found evidence of abuse, neglect and exploitation at the facility. Since that date, the facility was ordered to cease admissions; however, it remained open. As of May 31, no children remained at Asheville Academy.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to NCDHHS for an update and received the following statement:
"On Friday, May 30, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was made aware of a second death at Asheville Academy that occurred on Thursday, May 29, 2025. As of May 31, 2025, no children remain at Asheville Academy. NCDHHS DHSR has not suspended the license for the facility."
NCDHHS was on site Friday, May 30, and is currently on site investigating. A suspension of admissions was issued to the facility on Wednesday, May 28.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones and communities impacted by the loss of these young lives. NCDHHS is committed to conducting a thorough investigation with our county partners, including the Buncombe County Department of Social Services and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Together we will take every appropriate step to ensure the health and well-being of children and youth at Asheville Academy," officials said.
Over the years, the facility has undergone several rebrandings, previously known as Solstice East and Magonila Mill School.
Some staff members formerly employed by Trails Carolina, including founding partner Kathryn Huffman — whose brother owned Trails — now work at Asheville Academy.
Troubling reviews on social media have surfaced. One former resident posted: “While I was there I was bullied by students and staff, insulted and humiliated by staff members and given unfair punishments. I cried and begged for my mother to pull me out. Don’t send your daughters here, they’ll leave with more trauma than when they first arrived.”
Other reviews, however, describe positive outcomes, including one that claimed the program “changed their daughter’s life.”
The executive director of Asheville Academy has not responded to requests for an interview and staff at the property also declined to comment.
Meanwhile, a new lawsuit filed in Wake County Superior Court alleges a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and neglected at Trails Carolina in 2018. The suit claims staff failed to properly document the report. Trails Carolina, operated by Wilderness Training and Consulting since 2010, closed last year following the death of a 12-year-old boy in its care. The state medical examiner later ruled that death a homicide.
Spectrum News 1 closely followed the developments with Trails Carolina over the last year.
This is a developing story, we will continue to follow it as new updates become available.
For those in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.