‘I Gave Up’: Bullied 13 Year Old Takes His Life, Says Catholic School Teachers Did Nothing to Help

New York City Teen’s Note, and His Family, Describe Pattern of Abuse and Bullying From Students and Staff

13-year old Daniel Fitzpatrick took his life Thursday, after leaving a note accusing his fellow classmates of relentless bullying and physical abuse, and his teachers at Holy Angels Catholic Academy in Brooklyn of ignoring the attacks. Daniel’s sister found him in the attic of the family’s Staten Island home. 

Daniel, in his note, which the New York Daily News published, says his friends turned on him and “constantly” bullied him. He describes fights with his fellow classmates, and says the bullying “continued.” 

“I gave up,” Daniel wrote. The teachers, he says, “they didn’t do ANYTHING!” He adds, “I told all the teachers,” and says only one helped him, but her efforts “didn’t last long.”

The note concludes, “I wanted to get out. I begged and pleaded. Eventually I did,” he writes. “I failed but I didn’t care I was out that’s all [I] wanted.”

Holy Angels Catholic Academy in June returned the family’s registration check, telling Daniel’s parents he needed to repeat 7th grade but should do so elsewhere. The school maintains it takes bullying very seriously and through a spokesperson says it believes it did everything possible for Daniel.

“Daniel’s complaints about bullying did not fall upon deaf ears,” Carolyn Erstad said at a press conference. “The principal believes she did everything in her power to help Daniel, and to deal with any students accused of bullying.”

The Daily News reports Daniel’s father “said the principal told him she didn’t think Holy Angels would be a ‘good environment’ for Daniel to be a grade behind, that it might ‘damage his psyche.'” Daniel’s father blames the bullying for his son’s performance, saying the teen’s “confidence was completely shattered.”

Daniel’s parents “said the boys targeted him during gym class, often throwing balls at him. A teacher also embarrassed Daniel by calling him ‘lazy’ in front of the class, the boy’s father alleged.” Daniel’s 17-year old sister, who found him in the attic, also attended Holy Angels and “and said the teacher was known for humiliating students.”

“He would hold up tests and papers at school dismissal, publicly displaying students’ scores to embarrass those who did poorly,” she said.

Daniel’s mother told the News, “Danny said that he was afraid of his teachers.”

“He felt like the whole school knew what was going on and was laughing behind his back. They humiliated him.”

“My son is not supposed to be dead,” she said. “My son is supposed to be playing football. My son is supposed to be home with his family.” 

Daniel’s father posted this video to Facebook, saying he misses his son who son “was a kind, gentle little soul” and “didn’t have a mean bone in his body.”

“You get to hold your children every night and day for the rest of your lives and their natural lives,” he said to fellow parents. “I don’t get that anymore,” he added.

CBS News reports the “NYPD confirms they are investigating.”

One of Daniel’s sisters created a GoFundMe page so the family can honor his life in “a proper memorial, as well as shine a bright light on the bullying that killed him.”

“My brother was thirteen years old, he did not have life insurance, because he wasnt supposed to die. This was a very unexpected tragedy for my family and we were not prepared for it.”

She asked for $10,000 on August 12. As of this writing the fund has received over $70,000. A note on the GoFundMe page says they are looking for an “organization that fights bullying and encourages suicide awareness” to donate to.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are many people available to help. Call 911 if there is an immediate risk. 

You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call them at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

States offer federally-funded free or low-cost mental health services. Use the SAMSHA locator or call 1-800-662-4357.

The Trevor Project helps LGBTQ young people 13-24. Visit them online or call 1-866-488-7386. The Trevor Project is also on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Image via GoFundMe