Delia Watson, eleven year old New Mexico schoolgirl commits suicide after being the victim of unrelenting taunting despite efforts at school officials to stop the taunting.
An 11 year old New Mexico girl took to social media to complain about being bullied before days later killing herself.
The ‘unexpected death’ of Delia Watson was confirmed Tuesday in a letter to students at Mount Taylor Elementary School in Grants, KOB-TV reported.
Prior to her suicide, classmates taunted the 11-year-old on social media and through text messages, friends said. Delia reportedly vented about the bullies in online posts.
‘Me and Delia reached out to many staff members of our school many different times about the bullying but Delia’s voice was never heard,’ friend Malaya Martinez told KOB-TV.
Relatives who set up a GoFundMe page for Delia’s funeral said bullies encouraged her to end her life.
‘Delia was looking to feel accepted by others,’ the page said. ‘Delia felt her only support was her family but continued to feel rejected by her peers.’
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Grants Police Department has since opened an investigation into the alleged bullying on social media.
Delia’s best friend, Malaya Martinez who held a vigil Wednesday for the bullied girl — said she believes her death was preventable.
‘Surprisingly my friend held her head up high and always carried a beautiful smile,’ Malaya told KOB-TV. ‘She had the biggest heart and always found the good in everybody, even the girls and boys who would bully her.’
‘Me and Delia reached out to many staff members of our school many different times about the bullying but Delia’s voice was never heard,’ Malaya said.
Not immediately understood is what action, if any, school authorities took to combat bullying at the school and how long the taunting took place.
School officials said counselors would be available to anyone ‘who wishes to talk about the student’s death.’
Delia’s family is now calling on leadership at the school to do a better job of educating parents and students about bullying.
