In the picturesque setting of Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the narrative of Trails Carolina took a somber turn with the mysterious disappearance and subsequent Trails Carolina Death of 17-year-old camper Alec Sanford Lansing on November 10, 2014.

Alec, a participant in the wilderness therapy program, went missing under circumstances that raised questions about the supervision and safety protocols within the camp. Last seen walking away from the group under the watch of a counselor, the details of his disappearance prompted immediate concern.

As the hours unfolded, a convenience store clerk reported a sighting of Lansing a few miles away from the camp, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding story. The alarm was raised, and Lansing was officially reported missing around 6 PM, initiating a search that would ultimately reveal a tragic fate.

Lansing’s lifeless body was discovered after a harrowing ordeal, having broken his hip in a stream. The autopsy conducted by pathologist William Selby pointed to hypothermia as the cause of death, painting a heartbreaking picture of a young life lost in the wilderness.

The aftermath of this tragedy continued to cast a shadow over Trails Carolina. In 2022, a father took a stand against the wilderness therapy program, filing a lawsuit that shook the foundation of Trails Carolina. The legal action alleged that the program’s business model not only fostered abuse but also negligently permitted the sexual abuse of his 14-year-old daughter. The lawsuit highlighted broader concerns about the safety and well-being of participants in such programs.

Alec Sanford Lansing’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding wilderness therapy and the responsibilities that institutions like Trails Carolina bear in ensuring the safety of their participants. The tragedy not only sparked legal ramifications but also ignited discussions about the ethical dimensions of such programs, prompting a critical examination of their practices to prevent similar heart-wrenching outcomes in the future.