News Summary
Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school in North Carolina, has announced its closure following two tragic suicides of young girls. The decision follows investigations by the NCDHHS and a suspension of future admissions due to safety concerns. The academy, previously linked to a controversial wilderness program, has faced criticism over its mental health practices. Community support efforts are underway for the affected families, while investigations continue to seek improvements in safety standards for mental health facilities.
Weaverville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school catering to girls aged 10 to 18, has announced its voluntary closure following a series of tragedies and investigations. The decision to cease operations was made public on May 28, 2025, with all students discharged from the facility by May 31, 2025.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) initiated a comprehensive investigation on May 8, 2025, after the first reported suicide at the academy. A 13-year-old girl tragically died by suicide on May 3, 2025, marking a devastating event for the community. Less than a month later, on May 29, another suicide occurred involving a 12-year-old girl, prompting immediate concern and investigation from state health officials and local law enforcement.
In light of these developments, the NCDHHS suspended all future admissions to Asheville Academy effective May 27, 2025, citing numerous violations of mental health service licensing regulations. The findings indicated that conditions at the academy were detrimental to the safety and health of its clients, as reported to Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, the entity managing the facility. The academy was licensed to accommodate up to 90 students, providing therapeutic services designed to address various mental health needs.
Closure Details
No children remained at Asheville Academy as of May 31, 2025. While the academy has voluntarily closed, its license had not been revoked as of this date. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the occurrences of both suicides and stated that they are prioritizing support for the affected families during this difficult time.
Historical Context
This closure comes on the heels of a darker chapter in the academy’s history. Asheville Academy had previously been associated with an outdoor wilderness program, Trails Carolina, which was shut down following the death of a 12-year-old boy who died just 24 hours after his admission in February 2024. These significant events have raised questions about the safety protocols and mental health practices at facilities associated with such therapeutic programs.
Response and Investigations
Following the public announcement of the closure, Asheville Academy’s social media accounts were deactivated, although its website remains operational. The academy released an official statement expressing profound sadness over the recent tragedies, yet indicated they could not provide further comments due to ongoing investigations.
The NCDHHS has been actively collaborating with the Buncombe County Department of Social Services and the Sheriff’s office to ensure the well-being of the families impacted by these events. These agencies are working diligently to provide necessary support and resources to those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Looking Ahead
As the investigations continue, there is a hopeful anticipation for improvements in safety standards and mental health services within North Carolina and beyond. The tragic losses experienced at Asheville Academy serve as a significant reminder of the importance of ensuring safe environments for all youth undergoing treatment.
This deeply troubling situation has left a profound impact on the community of Weaverville and surrounding areas, highlighting the urgent necessity for thorough investigations, regulation of mental health facilities, and improved support systems for vulnerable populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Academy Announces Voluntary Closure Following Tragedies
Asheville Academy Closes After Student Suicides
Asheville Academy Closes Following Student Suicides
Beloved Asheville Community Member Passes Away
UNC Asheville Baseball Team Faces Tough Loss to Charleston Southern
Local Man Arrested for Firing Gun in Asheville
Asheville Academy Closes Following Tragic Student Suicides
Closure of Asheville Academy Following Tragic Suicides
Investigation Launched Following Tragic Suicides at Asheville Academy
Asheville on the Road to Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Voluntarily Closing
- AP News: Therapy School Closes in North Carolina
- ABC News 4: Second Suicide at Asheville Academy
- Google Search: Asheville Academy
- Wikipedia: Therapeutic School
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
