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A little girl took her own life after she was relentlessly bullied, leaving her family and the school community heartbroken and seeking answers.
Nadiya Santiago was just 11 years old when she died on May 19, according to her family. The girl was a student at Frontier Middle School in Hamburg, a town south of Buffalo, New York.
The exact circumstances of her death have been kept vague, but the family wrote on a GoFundMe that 'bullying is a terrible thing and takes the lives of thousands of children each year.'
The fundraiser was set up by the little girl's sister-in-law, Nadia Dicioccio, to help the family pay for funeral expenses, the cost of moving to a new home and 'potential legal fees surrounding the circumstances of Nadiya’s death.'
A statement penned by the middle school's principal, Daniel Charland, also kept things vague but notably said: 'We kindly encourage all parents and guardians to stay engaged with your child's social media activity.
'Your awareness and involvement plays a vital role in keeping every one of our students safe and supported.'
Local outlet Niagara Action independently confirmed that bullying played a key role in Santiago ending her own life last week.
The letter by the middle school's principal was sent to staff and parents on May 21. In it, Santiago was described as 'a sweet member of our school community, known for their smile, gracious heart, and academic curiosity.
An 11-year-old middle school student named Nadiya Santiago took her own life last week after she was relentlessly bullied
Santiago died on May 19. Her family described her as 'a bright, energetic 11-year-old who brought joy to everyone around her'
The little girl was a student at Frontier Middle School, which is located in Hamburg, a town south of Buffalo, New York
'In their time at Frontier Middle School, our student touched the lives of many, both students and staff.'
The school said counselors and social workers will be available to students grappling with the devastating loss of the little girl to help them work through their grief, shock and other emotions.
On the GoFundMe page, Santiago was described as 'a bright, energetic 11-year-old who brought joy to everyone around her.'
'She loved spending time with her friends and family, playing soccer and boxing, and enjoying the outdoors with her siblings,' the fundraiser continued.
'Her laughter and kindness touched so many lives, and her absence has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her.'
On Facebook, a family friend of Santiago's family named Nicole Brown expressed her grief in a post that said: 'I truly cannot f***ing process this one. It hurts so bad.
'I wish I could do anything to see her one more time, let her play with my kids, hear her laugh... we love you nana forever. I’m truly so sorry baby girl.'
As of Monday afternoon, Santiago's GoFundMe has raised around $26,000.
Santiago's middle school released a statement describing her as 'a sweet member of our school community, known for their smile, gracious heart, and academic curiosity.' The little girl is pictured playing the flute
The full statement penned by the school's principal, Daniel Charland, is pictured. It was sent to faculty and parents on May 21
In an update on the fundraiser's page, Dicioccio, the organizer, said that the family is extremely thankful for the 'outpouring of love and support' and that it 'means so much to the family right now.'
Dicioccio also quoted the little girl's parents saying: 'I’m so thankful for the people that are donating she now can have a burial and her lil body can rest in peace thank you guys for making this for her. I love yall.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Frontier Middle School for comment.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
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