The Asheville Academy building now stands closed following a state investigation.
Asheville Academy in Weaverville, NC, has permanently closed following a state investigation that uncovered significant rule violations after two students died by suicide. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services imposed penalties totaling $45,000 against the facility. The investigation revealed severe incompetence in managing student safety, including inadequate supervision and failures in emergency preparedness. Despite not suspending the academy’s license, it voluntarily surrendered it, stating no plans to reopen as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.
Weaverville, NC – Asheville Academy, a residential treatment facility located in Weaverville, North Carolina, has permanently closed its campus following a state investigation that revealed serious rule violations after the deaths of two students by suicide within the same month in May 2025. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) imposed administrative penalties totaling $45,000 against the facility.
The tragic suicides occurred on May 3, involving a 13-year-old student, and on May 29, involving a 12-year-old student. DHHS unveiled three significant “Type A1” rule violations that indicated gross incompetence in managing the safety and well-being of the residents. These included a lack of appropriate supervision, failure to protect students from harm, and violations of state rights statutes meant to safeguard individuals in 24-hour care facilities.
In a detailed 103-page report, the DHHS outlined that after the first suicide, staff were instructed to increase monitoring of students, checking on them every five minutes in the bathroom instead of the previous 15-minute intervals. Additionally, the facility had instituted strict suicide prevention protocols which mandated that at-risk students remain within arms’ reach of staff at all times, adhering to a protocol known as “Cracked and Counting.”
On May 27, just two days prior to the second student’s death, Asheville Academy was ordered to cease admissions. The investigations revealed alarming deficiencies in CPR and First Aid training among staff, including at least one mentor who did not hold the required certification before the first student’s suicide. There was also notable staff unawareness regarding emergency procedures and safety equipment, with a lack of consistent enforcement of essential safety measures.
Although DHHS has not suspended Asheville Academy’s license, on June 4, 2025, the facility voluntarily surrendered it, declaring that there were no plans to reopen. The internal protocols stipulated that an internal review team should convene within 24 hours following any student suicide; however, state officials found no documentation supporting that such meetings took place.
Asheville Academy had been licensed to accommodate up to 90 children, mostly serving girls aged 10-18 who were facing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. The facility has a documented history of previous incidents involving abuse, neglect, and unsafe practices.
As of now, an investigation by the state remains ongoing, focusing squarely on the conditions surrounding the two student suicides. This is not the first instance involving Asheville Academy’s parent company, Wilderness Training & Consulting, based in Oregon. Legal troubles were previously related to another one of its facilities, Trails Carolina, which was shut down after a camper’s death and allegations of various types of abuse.
In light of this situation, mental health officials are working diligently to ensure the safety and health of youth within treatment facilities, collaborating with local law enforcement and social services to enhance oversight and management. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for support for those who may be affected by these events, reachable at 988.
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