News Summary
The recent suicides of two young girls at Asheville Academy have led to an investigation and the subsequent closure of the facility. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences, while the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is conducting a thorough review of the academy’s compliance with safety regulations. Asheville Academy, which catered to adolescents with mental health issues, confirmed that no children remain at the facility, ensuring that all students left by the end of May. Ongoing investigations are raising concerns about the academy’s practices and treatment methods.
Asheville
Two tragic suicides of young girls at Asheville Academy have prompted an investigation and subsequent closure of the residential treatment center. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incidents, which took place on May 3 and May 29, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families affected by these heartbreaking losses.
As of May 31, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported that no children remained at Asheville Academy, demonstrating swift action following these events. Although the facility’s license has not been suspended, a suspension of admissions was initiated on May 28, effectively halting any new entries into the program. Investigations by NCDHHS officials were carried out on May 30 and June 2 to assess the facility’s compliance with health and safety regulations.
The NCDHHS is dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation in collaboration with county partners, including the Buncombe County Department of Social Services. Asheville Academy, designed to provide therapeutic treatment for girls aged 10-14 and 14-18 experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, announced its voluntary closure on June 3, ensuring that all students left the facility by May 31.
Details of the Investigation
On June 3, Asheville Academy conveyed its sorrow regarding the loss of a young life but chose not to provide further comments due to ongoing investigations. A communication from the NCDHHS revealed serious licensing violations at the academy, indicating that conditions within the facility were deemed detrimental to the health and safety of its clients. This scrutiny intensified after the reported suicides of a 13-year-old girl on May 3 and a 12-year-old girl on May 29.
Asheville Academy is owned by Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, which also operated Trails Carolina, an outdoor wilderness program linked to the death of a 12-year-old boy in February 2024. Concerns have arisen regarding the academy’s operational procedures and treatment methods, with former clients raising allegations related to control-based discipline and emotional distress experienced during their stay.
Reactions from Former Clients
Former clients like Katelyn Lipkind have recounted traumatic experiences at similar programs, emphasizing issues related to the control methods employed and their emotional well-being. These statements underscore the need for a comprehensive review of practices within such facilities to ensure the safety and mental health of vulnerable adolescents.
The Way Forward
The NCDHHS, along with local law enforcement agencies, is actively engaged in addressing the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of any children who might have been affected by their time at Asheville Academy. Authorities are prioritizing a thorough examination of the events leading up to the suicides, with a commitment to preventing future tragedies.
In light of these distressing incidents, individuals experiencing a crisis or in need of support are encouraged to reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance.
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HERE Resources
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Asheville Faces Ongoing Recovery Challenges After Hurricane Helene
NCDHHS Suspends Admissions to Asheville Academy
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Asheville Academy Suicides – May 2025
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Ordered to Suspend Admissions
- ABC News 4: Second Suicide at Asheville Academy Confirmed
- Google Search: Asheville Academy Investigation
- Wikipedia: Suicide Prevention
