An autopsy conducted on a 12-year-old boy who tragically died at a wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina has revealed shocking details. The state's chief medical examiner ruled the boy's cause of death as 'asphyxia due to smothering.' The boy had spent less than 24 hours at the Lake Toxaway-based camp before his untimely demise.
The autopsy findings indicated that the boy was made to sleep in a bivy bag, which was closed with an audible alarm to prevent him from opening it himself. The autopsy noted that the solid outer layer of the boy's bag was zipped shut, while the mesh layer was torn, deviating from standard safety protocols.
Furthermore, the autopsy highlighted that the camp counselors failed to check on the boy as required, as the outer panel of the bivy bag was opaque, obstructing visibility into the sleeping area.
Authorities also discovered the absence of three clonidine tablets in the boy's medication. Clonidine is a drug used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, but toxic levels were not detected in the boy's system.
The boy, who had been sent to the camp from New York due to reported behavioral issues, was found dead in a cabin at Trails Carolina. The investigative report revealed that the boy exhibited restlessness and mumbling on his first night at the camp, although he had no history of seizures.
Trails Carolina, where the incident occurred, had previously denied any criminal conduct or suspicious acts. The Transylvania Sheriff's Office is currently reviewing the autopsy report in conjunction with the ongoing criminal investigation.
Following the tragic event, Trails Carolina ceased new admissions to the camp as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.
