Lindsey Mae Swan suicide death. A Huntsville, Alabama girl struggling with mental health woes & subjected to school bullying takes her own life.
No child should ever feel so much pain that they believe ending their life is the only option. Especially not at 12 years old.
The family of a 12-year-old Mountain Gap Middle School student in Huntsville, Alabama who took her own life last week has come forward in a bid to help others struggling with the mental health woes that led to her suicide death.
Lindsey Mae Swan according to her mother, Brittany Booth and stepfather, Jason Booth, was a girl full of life who stood up for others, never backed down from a challenge, and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist.
Struggling with her biological dad’s death and then subjected to school bullying
Her family said Lindsey’s biggest dream was to study sharks and save whales as a marine biologist.
But there was heartache that troubled the girl, which first surfaced after Lindsey’s dad, Joseph Laughery, died four years ago.
As her mom tried to prepare Lindsey for the social challenges of middle school, bullying soon followed.
‘Kids were mocking her and weaponizing the fact that her father had passed away and it was infuriating,’ her mother said speaking to WAFF. ‘It’s confusing for them. They don’t know why they’re being treated that way.’
12-year-old had previously confided she was planning to take her own life
Her mother said that despite the struggles at school, Lindsey remained a source of comfort at home.
‘I was smiling through my stress and sorrows, but she knew when I was feeling down and would be my biggest comfort,’ she said.
Lindsey’s mother said her daughter told friends months before her death what she was planning to do.
Her mother said the day before Lindsey died, she appeared happy and was making plans for the future.
‘You know the day before she passed, she was laughing, smiling, and we were making plans for the future,’ her mother said.
Watching for warning signs and knowing when to speak up
Lindsey’s parents said they are not placing blame on anyone. Nevertheless they want other parents to watch for warning signs in their own children and never be afraid to speak up.
‘I think we need to be more aware and look for any signs no matter how small they are,’ Jason Booth told the outlet. ‘There’s so much shame associated with it that people are afraid to come forward and be open about it. It may seem young but we absolutely need to be having these conversations. If you see something, say something.’
Not immediately clear is what counseling school administrators had in place for Lindsey and other students to help foster a better understanding and coping with grief and mental health challenges.
Lindsey left a note in her journal. Her family shared her final note:
‘It’s too late for me. Please talk to someone even if they act or look OK. They might make it because of you.’
Reflected an obituary honoring Lindsey Mae Swan: ‘If you hear a friend talking about hurting themselves, “self-canceling,” or not wanting to be here anymore, please understand that this is not gossip, nor is it drama. It is a red flag, and it is a life on the line. If you see something, say something. Tell a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a counselor. You might worry about losing a friendship, but you will never regret saving a life. Silence can cost someone everything. We must remove the shame associated with suicide so that families can grieve out loud openly.’
A GoFundMe to honor the memory of Lindsey as of Wednesday night had raised $23K.
This author has since sent a letter of inquiry to school administrators inquiring about the degree of alleged bullying the girl had been subjected to and what actions were taken, if any, along with any consequences to other students involved.
