Family: Bullying to blame for 12-year-old’s suicide

The family of 12 year-old Eyana White is blaming relentless bullying for their daughter’s suicide.

The family told ABC 17 News a fellow student told her to kill herself via Facebook.

Eyana’s friends have told them the bullying was becoming too much for her to handle. However, the family said they saw no indication she was depressed or even considering such an act.

Eyana hanged herself in the bathroom of the family’s home in Jefferson City on Tuesday night. White’s two younger siblings, ages 5 and 7, discovered her body.

ABC 17’s Daniel Winn spoke to other parents at Lewis and Clark Middle School.

Cynthia Johnston of Holts Summit told Winn her son has been bullied for several months. His gym clothes have been stolen and his grades went from A’s and B’s to D’s and F’s.

Johnston told ABC 17 News that teachers have told her son to, “sit down and stop tattling.”

School officials are asking anyone with information about Eyana White’s suicide to come forward. Their investigation is still ongoing.

A public vigil is planned for 6:30 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of Lewis and Clark Middle School. The family is asking each person to bring a canned good to donate to the Samaritan Center.

Jefferson City police say no arrests have been made in connection with any bullying in this case.

Jefferson City Public Schools says the district and police continue to investigate what may have led to Eyana’s suicide.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, superintendent Brian Mitchell said:

“We understand that there are rumors about bullying having played a role. If you have information that might help in this matter, please contact the Jefferson City Police Department – Detective Office, (573) 634-6400.”