Young Life Lost in Wilderness Camp
In a devastating incident recently, a 12-year-old boy from New York suffered a tragic end at a wilderness camp in North Carolina. The boy, known only by the initials CJH, was attending Trails Carolina, a nature-based rehabilitation program for children and teenagers aged between 10 and 17 facing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Circumstances Leading to the Death
On a fateful night in February, while camping with the other attendees, young CJH had to sleep in a damaged bivy, which is similar to a sleeping bag, yet more like a tent. The unfortunate boy was said to have been “smothered” inside his bivy, as stated in an autopsy report released this Monday.
Disturbing Details Unveiled
Delving into the details, the bivy that was being used by CJH was found to have a damaged mesh door. This torn mesh door was unusual, as it was fastened with a weather-proof cover and an alarm system. The alarm would sound off if CJH attempted to leave the bivy.
Post-Midnight Panic and Subsequent Ignorance
After experiencing a reported panic attack close to midnight, counselors checked on the young boy at around 3 a.m. and then again at 6 a.m. Despite their repeated check-ups, they claimed they weren’t able to see CJH due to the outer opaque layer of the bivy.
When checked next morning at 7:45 a.m., his body was discovered cold and rigid. The autopsy report gives a distressing image that his body was found turned 180 degrees away from the tent’s entrance. This position allowed the waterproof material to fall onto his head and face, compromising his breathing.
The autopsy report pointed out that CJH was placed in a compromised sleeping area by others, and he lacked the ability to get himself out of this dangerous situation because of the alarm system that was securing the opening.
Less than 24 Hours at the Camp
In a shocking revelation, it was announced that this tragic incident took place less than 24 hours into the boy’s arrival at the camp. This camp, located in Lake Toxaway, is around 120 miles from Charlotte.
According to reports, CJH had a history of ADHD, anxiety, and migraines. His family had admitted him to Trails Carolina, hoping to improve his situation.
Camp’s Response and Controversies
Following the incident, Trails Carolina declared the death as accidental in their February news release. “We grieve with the family of the student who tragically passed and have promised to do everything we can to determine what happened,” they stated.
However, this is not the first time such programs have faced criticism for their harsh conditions. The same issues were spotlighted in the Netflix documentary ‘Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare’ in 2023. The 2020 documentary by Paris Hilton also recounts her traumatic experience at a similar facility, Provo, Utah, where she alleges sexual assault by the staff.
While the debate carries on around the structure and conduct of such programs, the loss of young CJH remains a tragic example of the potential consequences. It calls for introspection and a higher standard of care and assurance for the safety of the troubled youth seeking help.