Bailey O’Neill, a twelve-year old Pennsylvania boy who was the victim of a school bullying attack has died. In January, Bailey, a sixth-grade at Darby Township School in Delaware County, was given a broken nose and concussion. “When the boy began having seizures, doctors at A.I. duPont Hospital were forced to put him into a coma,” the Huffington Post reported last month:
According to the Delaware County Daily Times, the boy’s grandmother, Joy Fecanin, blamed the incident on ‘two bullies.” She revealed more about her grandson’s condition on Thursday evening. “The doctors say it is a result of a blow to the head,†she told the local paper.
Bailey’s father said the boy who bullied his son was suspended for two days and police have not filed any criminal charges. When asked for a response, Southeast Delco School District Superintendent Stephen Butz told WPVI that the district is concerned for Bailey but, “due to the age of the students involved and the ongoing police investigation, I am unable to make any additional comments.”
Also last month, a local ABC affiliate reported:
“I want to hear his voice, his mother wants to hear his voice,” Bailey’s father Rob O’Neill said.
Rob says four weeks ago his 11-year-old son was being bullied by a couple of kids when one hit him in the face several times fracturing his nose.
He was also knocked down, causing a concussion.
Bailey’s parents had him checked out at the hospital, but something still wasn’t right.
“He was sleeping. He was moody. He wasn’t himself. He was angry a little bit. He wasn’t really eating,” O’Neill said.
A few days later, Bailey took a turn for the worse and started having violent seizures.
Doctors at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children were forced to put Bailey into a medically induced coma almost two weeks ago.
“Every day I’m trying to stay strong for him, but when you get into that hospital room and you’re looking at him, I would trade places in a heartbeat. It’s my buddy, you know,” O’Neill said.
Bailey is an honor student, an athlete, and a big brother.
Action News contacted Southeast Delco School District Superintendent Stephen Butz who told us the district asked Darby Township police to investigate.
The statement read:
“We have requested that the local police assist us in the investigation of this incident and are fully cooperating with their investigation of this incident. We are very concerned about the medical condition of this student. And our thoughts and prayers are with him. Due to the age of the students involved and the ongoing police investigation, I am unable to make any additional comments.”
The district wouldn’t comment about the other student, but Rob O’Neill says he was told the boy was suspended for two days.
Police haven’t filed any charges in the ongoing investigation.
O’Neill says that’s not enough and he has advice for other parents when it comes to bullying.
“Keep an eye out for it, it’s something that’s very serious. Sometimes kids are afraid to tell their parents that they’re being bullied because of the embarrassment,” O’Neill said.
Today, NBC News reports:
On Sunday, the following message was posted on the Building Hope for Bailey Facebook Page:
I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and supported Bailey and his family!! Bailey has been the strongest toughest boy I know. He has fought this battle long and hard. There just wasn’t a way to fix this. I wish I could say he will get better but I can’t. Bailey has gone to be with God today 🙁 I love you Jina Risoldi with all my heart and I will help you through this. Bailey I love you!!! Please keep Baileys family in your prayers!!!
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