A 14-year-old Vermont girl killed herself after being relentlessly bullied at school over her mother’s ongoing health issues, which included brain surgery that left the older woman with a shuttered eye, according to reports.
Isabelle Vezina-Dykeman was a freshman at the Mill School in Winooski, an alternative high school for students with complex needs.
“She was excited about the school year, excited about being a freshman,” her mother, Heather Miller, told WCAX, adding the teen was “spunky,” outgoing, and “loved to dance” and ice skate.
Isabelle, Miller said, was teased all day at school, and even after dismissal, through heartless text messages poking fun at her and how her mother looks.
Miller recently underwent brain surgery, which left her right eye shuttered.
When her daughter returned from school Sept. 15 obviously upset, Miller figured she would give Isabelle some space to unwind.
“I thought I was doing the right thing,” Miller told WCAX, “but in 35 minutes, our whole lives changed.”
Isabelle died by her own hands that very night, the outlet reported.
The Mill School is investigating the mom’s bullying claims, the school told WCAX.
“We, at the Mill School, have been devastated by the loss of one of our students,” reads a statement from the school. “We are working with the appropriate agencies and continue to provide counseling support.”
Miller said Isabelle’s organs were donated, and helped save the lives of seven people.
Another child received Isabelle’s eyes, and can now see.
Neither Miller nor the school could not immediately be reached for comment.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
