SOUTHAVEN, Miss. (WREG) — The family of a 6th grade Southaven Middle School student confirmed he took his life Tuesday, March 6 after being bullied.
Cheryl Hudson, the mother of 12-year-old Andrew Leach, tells us her son killed himself over continuous bullying.
She says he left a note for his family and then hung himself.
His 16-year-old brother found him.
Hudson also says bullying runs rampant in Southaven Middle School.
“A few years ago there was a young girl who hung herself from a water tower due to bullying,” she said. “There have been several attempts since then with other kids.”
When asked if she ever spoke to school officials about the bullying, Hudson said, “I only spoke with the school’s 6th grade principal. I didn’t know how to handle it. His dad did talk to a teacher one time. But from what we are hearing, there was a group of kids that would go around calling him fat, ugly and worthless.”
The family says law enforcement is investigating.
A GoFundMe account has already raised $7,000.
“He will be missed deeply by all that knew and loved him. No words could come close to expressing what this family is enduring. I hope to raise funds to help with his final expenses. All money will go for arrangements and to help his family in the days ahead. If you can’t contribute monetarily I ask that you pray for his mom, dad, brothers, family & friends. I ask that you kiss your kids and hug them a bit tighter,” says the GoFundMe page.
You can donate here if you would like to help the family.