A 15-year-old student at Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Alabama, took his life on Friday after suffering anti-gay bullying.
"We were saddened to learn this morning of the death of Nigel Shelby, one of our 9th grade students," Aaron King, the principal of Shelby's school, said in a statement Saturday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time."
Rocket City Now writes members of Rocket City Pride, a Huntsville-area LGBTQ group, mourned Shelby's death and added the bullies must face the consequences of their tormenting.
"I remember being called terrible words even when I was in elementary school before I knew what they meant," Celia Malone said. "These bullies have to be held accountable, and until our state legislation shows that they have to do that, they’re able to run a muck and do whatever they want."
In the wake of the young boy's death, a GoFundMe page has been established to help Shelby's mother cover funeral costs. The campaign has already surpassed the original $10,000 goal with more than $14,000 raised.
"All my love to the family of this beautiful baby. We will continue to fight to create a world that recognizes, honors, and yields to a beauty such as this baby," one message on the fundraising page read.
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According to the Center for Social Equity, 74% of LGBTQ adolescents admitted they do not feel safe at the current schools they attend.
Rest In Power Nigel Shelby ????
A 9th grader from Huntsville, Alabama. Nigel died by suicide after experiencing relentless bullying at his school. 74% of LGBTQ youth report not feeling safe in the schools they attend. We have to do better for LGBTQ youth.https://t.co/e0R5Vx8oio
pic.twitter.com/7xgAS2GXqw— Center For Social Equity (@socialequitysc) April 20, 2019
"We have to do better for our LGBTQ youths," the tweet continued.
Rest in peace, Nigel.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386. Counseling is also available via chat everyday at thetrevorproject.org/help or by texting 678-678.
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