TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – Prosecutors announced on Wednesday they will not pursue involuntary manslaughter charges against camp counselors in connection with the death of a 12-year-old boy who died at a wilderness camp in western North Carolina.
In February 2024, Clark Joseph Harman, of New York, arrived at Trails Carolina, a wilderness camp for troubled teens. Less than 24 hours later, he was found dead in his sleeping bag.
His death was later ruled by a medical examiner as homicide by asphyxiation.
Andrew Murray, the district attorney for Henderson, Transylvania, and Polk counties, said while the details of Harman’s case are tragic, they did not warrant criminal charges against camp staff.
“It is uncontroverted from the Medical Examiner’s report that Clark Harmon suffocated while being required to occupy a personal sleeping bivy his first night at the camp. The investigation revealed that Clark Harman’s death was the result of suffocation which, while tragic, did not involve criminal intent or recklessness sufficient to warrant criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter under the law,” said Murray in a press release.