14-Year-Old Student Dies by Suicide at Asheville Academy for Girls in Weaverville, NC: State Orders Suspension of Admissions Amid Ongoing Investigations into Facility Violations and Oversight Failures
14-Year-Old Student Dies by Suicide at Asheville Academy for Girls in Weaverville, NC: State Orders Suspension of Admissions Amid Ongoing Investigations into Facility Violations and Oversight Failures
The tight-knit community of Weaverville, North Carolina, is grappling with the tragic death of a 14-year-old student at Asheville Academy for Girls, a therapeutic boarding school located on Upper Flat Creek Road. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has prompted comprehensive investigations by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The student’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Incident Overview
On May 3, 2025, at approximately 4:22 p.m., the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suicide at Asheville Academy for Girls. The 14-year-old student was found deceased at the facility. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is ongoing, pending the official medical examiner’s report .(PsychCrime, Asheville Watchdog)
State Investigation and Findings
In response to the incident, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) initiated a survey through its Division of Health Service Regulation on May 8, 2025. The investigation uncovered several violations at Asheville Academy, including:(WLOS, Asheville Watchdog)
These findings led NCDHHS to conclude that conditions at the facility were detrimental to the health and safety of the clients. Consequently, on May 27, 2025, NCDHHS ordered Asheville Academy to suspend all admissions immediately. The suspension will remain in effect until the facility meets approved inspection status .(WLOS)
Facility Background and Ownership
Asheville Academy for Girls is a residential treatment center catering to girls aged 10 to 14, with some cases extending to 18. The facility is operated by Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, which also managed Trails Carolina, a therapeutic wilderness program that was shut down in 2024 following the death of a 12-year-old boy .(WLOS, WLOS)
Past inspections of Asheville Academy revealed deficiencies, including failure to develop treatment strategies, report allegations of abuse, and ensure clients’ rights to communicate with legal guardians. Despite a plan of correction issued in 2020, recent events suggest ongoing systemic issues .(Asheville Watchdog)
Community Response and Support
The tragic incident has deeply affected the Weaverville community and raised concerns about the oversight of therapeutic boarding schools. In a statement, NCDHHS expressed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring the well-being of children and youth at Asheville Academy .(WLOS)
As of May 30, 2025, NCDHHS has not ordered the removal of current students from the facility, but admissions remain suspended. The department continues to work closely with the Buncombe County Department of Social Services and the Sheriff’s Office to address the situation .(WLOS, WCIV)
Moving Forward
The death of the 14-year-old student underscores the critical need for stringent oversight and accountability in therapeutic residential programs. As investigations continue, families and communities are advocating for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth in such facilities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HELLO to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.(Asheville Watchdog)