12-year-old boy's death at controversial wilderness therapy camp ruled homicide by asphyxiation: autopsy

The death of a 12-year-old boy at a controversial wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina was ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy released by the state’s chief medical examiner.

The autopsy listed the boy’s cause of death as "asphyxia due to smothering." The boy died after being at the Lake Toxaway-based camp for less than 24 hours.

"No significant natural disease was present to have caused or contributed to death. Non-specific findings included swelling of the brain. Mild...