Tragedy at Asheville Academy: 12-Year-Old Girl Dies in Second Fatal Incident This Month — Full Investigation Underway Involving NCDHHS

Weaverville, NC — A somber cloud hangs over Asheville Academy for Girls once again as authorities have confirmed a tragic death at the residential facility located on Upper Flat Creek Road in Weaverville. On Wednesday, May 29, a 12-year-old student tragically lost her life, marking the second fatality at the academy in less than a month. The unfolding incident has shocked the local community and prompted a comprehensive investigation involving multiple state agencies.

Tragedy Strikes Again at Asheville Academy

Asheville Academy for Girls, a residential treatment center dedicated to supporting young females with emotional and behavioral challenges, has been under intense scrutiny following a previous death earlier this month. The recent loss of the 12-year-old student has raised urgent questions regarding the safety, care, and oversight at the facility.

Law enforcement officials from Buncombe County confirmed the death and revealed that the incident occurred on the academy’s grounds on May 29. Details about the circumstances leading to the student’s death remain limited at this time, but the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness.

Investigation Now Involves NCDHHS

In response to the incident, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has joined the investigation to conduct a full-scale review of the academy’s policies, protocols, and compliance with state regulations. NCDHHS officials are working alongside Buncombe County law enforcement to uncover the facts surrounding the fatality.

This multidisciplinary approach aims to assess not only the immediate circumstances of the young girl’s death but also the broader operational practices of Asheville Academy for Girls. The department’s involvement highlights concerns about the facility’s ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable children entrusted to its care.

Background: Previous Incident Heightens Concerns

The recent fatality is the second reported death at Asheville Academy for Girls within a short span of time, amplifying worries within the community and among child welfare advocates. The earlier incident, which occurred in late April, remains under investigation, and its details have not been fully disclosed pending the ongoing legal and administrative reviews.

Community members, parents of current and former students, and child welfare experts have voiced growing apprehension about the academy’s handling of students’ physical and mental health needs. Calls for transparency and accountability are increasing, with many urging state authorities to take swift action to prevent further tragedies.

Community Response and Calls for Accountability

Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed profound sadness and frustration over the repeated losses at Asheville Academy. The academy’s role as a specialized treatment center for girls struggling with complex emotional and behavioral issues places a heavy responsibility on its staff to ensure safety and proper care.

A spokesperson for the academy released a brief statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased student and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to cooperating fully with investigators. However, community leaders have called for more detailed public updates and independent oversight to restore trust in the facility’s operations.

What’s Next: Safety Measures and Policy Reviews

As the investigation progresses, officials with NCDHHS and local law enforcement will evaluate whether Asheville Academy complied with existing safety protocols and whether any lapses or negligence contributed to the tragic death. The review will likely include assessments of staffing levels, training, emergency response procedures, and mental health support services available to students.

Depending on the findings, the academy could face regulatory actions, including fines, mandated improvements, or potential closure. Meanwhile, the community and state leaders are pushing for stronger safeguards for vulnerable children in residential treatment facilities across North Carolina.

Remembering the Young Life Lost

At just 12 years old, the student who died at Asheville Academy had her entire life ahead of her, making the loss all the more heartbreaking. The identity of the child has been withheld pending family notification and privacy considerations.

Support services, including grief counseling, are being offered to students and staff affected by the tragedy as the academy and the broader Weaverville community mourn the loss.

In Summary:

• On May 29, 2025, a 12-year-old student died at Asheville Academy for Girls in Weaverville, NC.
• This is the second death at the academy in less than a month.
• Buncombe County law enforcement and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are conducting a full-scale investigation.
• Community concerns about the academy’s safety and care standards have intensified.
• The investigation will review operational procedures and compliance with state regulations.
• The academy expressed condolences and pledged cooperation.
• The incident raises broader questions about oversight of residential treatment facilities in the state.

Further updates will be provided as authorities release more information. The tragic event underscores the critical need for vigilance and reform in institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable children.

If you have information related to the incident or concerns about child safety at Asheville Academy, please contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.