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Tennessee native Eli Fritchley died from suicide after being bullied for being gay. The 12-year-old Cascade Middle School student took his own life on November 28, according to his parents. They claimed that the young boy was never afraid to be himself.
Eli Fritchley’s mother Debbey told WKRN-TV that she found her son’s body in his bedroom. She said:
“He was a peaceful soul.”
While describing him, Debbey Fritchley from Shelbyville mentioned that he played the trombone for the school’s marching band, enjoyed painting his fingernails and wearing pink.
The mother also mentioned that Eli Fritchley did not give the impression that he was being affected by bullying prior to his suicide.
Eli Fritchley is survived by his parents and five brothers.
Bedford County Schools responds to student Eli Fritchley’s passing
A spokesperson from the educational institution told WKRN-TV that faculty and students from Cascade Middle School returning from Thanksgiving break have received the tragic news about Eli Fritchley’s passing.
Their statement also quoted school superintendent Dr. Tammy Garrett, who said:
“We are absolutely shocked and devastated by this news. Anytime someone takes his or her life, especially a child, it is nearly unbearable. Our hearts go out to his parents and family as they deal with this terrible loss.”
She continued:
“Raising caring, kind, resilient children is all of our jobs, and parents are not alone. At Bedford County Schools we strive to provide positive learning environments with positive affirmations for all children, every day. What’s best for our students is what is best for BCS.”
While mourning the loss of Eli Fritchley, his mother said that he loved doing the laundry and washing his SpongeBob sweater immediately after coming from school so he could wear it the next day. Speaking of the endless bullying which took place at school, his mother said:
“He was told because he didn't necessarily have a religion and that he said he was gay that he was going to go to hell. They told him that quite often.”
His father Steve Fritchley told WKRN-TV that “it was really abusive”. He continued:
“I don't think it was ever physical. I think it was just words, but words hurt. They really hurt.”
Following their son’s passing, the Fritchley family have devoted themselves to combating child bullying. With the help of Penalties Sports Bar & Grill, the family has created a GoFundMe page. The fundraising campaign reads that it is dedicated to:
“Helping other kids and families that might be in the same situation as the Fritchleys so that this terrible tragedy doesn’t have to happen again.”
The website also conveys that the family wishes to make sure that the same situation does not arise in another household. At the time of writing this article, the fundraiser had made over $29,700. One anonymous donor has donated $7,000, making it the highest contribution.
