“No child should have to go through what my son went through.”
These are the harrowing words said on a Facebook Live video by the shattered father of a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide.
Daniel Fitzpatrick, from Staten Island in the US, suffered at the hands of bullies in his school. He was mocked by his classmates because of his grades and his weight.
Last Thursday, the teenager took his own life.
Daniel left a note in which he talks about how his life in school had gone from bad to worse over the course of a few months, and that his former friends had deserted him.
“My old friends changed they didn’t talk to me, they didn’t even like me. Anthony my ‘friend’ he failed and I failed too. But Anthony took it out on me. He bullied me alongside John, Marro, Jose and Jack. They did it constantly.”
According to the teen, the institution that was supposed to be supporting him completely failed him. He writes how teachers at his school did nothing to help him; “I got in trouble instead,” he writes.
Daniel’s father, also named Daniel, took to Facebook Live to thank people for their support and to talk about his profound grief. He said:
“No parent should have to bury their child. No child should have to go through what my son went through. To the parents of the boys who tormented my son, all I have to say is I hope you never have to feel what my family is going through right now
“You get to hold your children every night and day for the rest of your lives and their natural lives. I don’t get that anymore.”
Daniel’s mother, Maureen Fitzpatrick, told the New York Daily News: “There’s something wrong with the adults in authority positions when kids can’t go to them for help.”
A spokeswoman for the Holy Angels Catholic Academy has said:
“In light of this tragedy we are re-examining all bullying prevention policies and training. The Principal, teachers, and staff of Holy Angels Catholic Academy are heartbroken over the loss of Danny Fitzpatrick. We take the issue of bullying very seriously and address every incident that is brought to our attention.”
Daniel’s sister Eileen has started a GoFundMe page to raise money to donate to an anti-bullying or suicide prevention charity, in memory of her brother. So far, it’s raised $100,000.
You can watch the video of Daniel Snr below, but be warned, it is a tough watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3oz3CesCOM
If you are struggling right now, you can call The Samaritans on 116 123, or email [email protected]. You can also find a local branch here.
You can also contact Teen Line:
Need to talk? Get in touch. Free Ph. 1800 833 634 or Free Text TEEN to 50015 8pm-11pm. #welisten pic.twitter.com/tljyLTfGbT
— TeenLine Ireland (@TeenlineIreland) June 19, 2016
