>
South Carolina
26 Feb
75°F
27 Feb
76°F
28 Feb
63°F
1 Mar
70°F
2 Mar
54°F
3 Mar
53°F
4 Mar
70°F
>
South Carolina
26 Feb
75°F
27 Feb
76°F
28 Feb
63°F
1 Mar
70°F
2 Mar
54°F
3 Mar
53°F
4 Mar
70°F

Greenville County Family Fights Against Bullying After Daughter’s Suicide Attempt

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Empty school hallway highlighting the issues of bullying

News Summary

A family’s heartbreaking journey highlights the severe impact of bullying after their 12-year-old daughter, Kelaia, attempted suicide following years of harassment at school. As Kelaia struggles with severe brain damage post-incident, her parents have launched a lawsuit against the school district, seeking justice and accountability for the bullying she endured. The community rallies in support, showcasing the urgent need for action against bullying in schools.

Tragic Turn: Greenville County Family Takes Stand Against Bullying After Daughter’s Heartbreaking Suicide Attempt

In the tight-knit community of Greenville County, South Carolina, a family’s nightmare has illuminated the grave reality of bullying in schools. The story revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Kelaia Turner, a student who was subjected to relentless bullying at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. Tragically, her struggle culminated in a suicide attempt on March 17, 2023, after two years of increasingly severe harassment.

According to reports, the bullying journey for Kelaia kicked off back in August 2021. Initially, the taunts were your typical name-calling, but things took a hurtful turn when Kelaia decided to embrace her natural hair at school. Suddenly, she was being called derogatory names such as “roach” and facing comments that insinuated she looked “like a man.” These insults didn’t just hurt her feelings; they profoundly impacted her mental well-being.

Escalating Bullying: A Harrowing Journey

The family described Kelaia as a bright, bubbly child—truly the light of their lives. However, after months of bullying, her demeanor changed drastically. The once cheerful girl became noticeably somber and withdrawn, a change that didn’t go unnoticed by her loving mother. Sadly, Kelaia tried to reach out for help. Each time she reported the bullying incidents to school authorities, she hoped for a change, but instead, the situation only worsened over the following 15 months.

One of the most shocking incidents cited in the family’s lawsuit is when a teacher allegedly participated in the torment. Instead of protecting Kelaia, the teacher seemingly pointed her out in a derogatory manner when a classmate asked, “Where’s the roach?” This disheartening behavior from an adult figure left Kelaia feeling more isolated than ever.

Physical Altercations and Continued Harassment

Kelaia’s distress led to a physical altercation with one of her bullies, prompted by relentless harassment. In a disheartening twist, Kelaia found herself the only student disciplined for what was clearly an act of desperation in a terrible situation. The bullying didn’t stop there; reports of students playing offensive songs laced with racial stereotypes in class and even dumping water on Kelaia’s clothes only added to her torment.

On that fateful day in March, Kelaia attempted to take her own life by hanging herself in her bedroom. Thankfully, emergency responders revived her after she was unresponsive for eight long minutes. However, this second chance came at a high cost—Kelaia now suffers severe brain damage, requiring extensive medical care and support, including a tracheotomy tube and feeding assistance.

Invasive Cruelty: Bullies Mock Kelaia in ICU

What’s even more disturbing is the reported behavior of Kelaia’s bullies after her suicide attempt. Rather than feeling remorse or compassion, some of the very peers who caused her pain reportedly visited her in the ICU, snapping photos of her condition to share on social media, further mocking her tragic situation. This cowardly act underscores the urgent need for action against bullying within school environments.

A Family Driven by Love and Anger

In response to Kelaia’s suffering, her parents have stepped forward by suing the Greenville County School District along with various faculty members, citing negligence. They seek financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and the ongoing care Kelaia now requires. The lawsuit is not merely about money but aims to hold those responsible accountable for their actions—or inactions—in stopping the bullying that so deeply affected their daughter.

Community Support and District Denial

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been launched to support Kelaia’s family, raising over $92,215—far exceeding its original goal of $15,000. This outpouring of community support showcases the love and concern for Kelaia and her family during this harrowing time. Yet, despite the anguish faced by Kelaia and her family, the Greenville County School District has denied any wrongdoing. They claim that they investigated all reports of bullying and adhered to their zero-tolerance policy.

The struggles of Kelaia Turner represent a chilling reminder of the devastating impacts bullying can have on young lives. As the community watches this situation unfold, many hope that lessons will be learned and that no other child will have to endure what Kelaia has experienced.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Greenville County Community Reacts to Tragic Bullying Incident

Additional Resources

HERE Greenville
Author: HERE Greenville

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Software for Greenville, SC Contractors

Greenville, SC contractors benefit from CMiC’s construction management software that streamlines every stage of the project lifecycle. CMiC’s Single Database Platform™ integrates financial oversight, resource planning, and project workflows into one unified system, helping reduce operational risks and boosting productivity. Designed to enhance collaboration and control over large projects, CMiC is the trusted software for professionals in the construction industry. Are you a general contractor in Greenville, SC seeking advanced solutions for project management? CMiC has you covered with its feature-rich platform.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Courtroom scene related to the Kohberger case

New Developments in the Kohberger Case

News Summary The legal saga surrounding Bryan Kohberger intensifies with the addition of DNA forensic expert Bicka Barlow to his defense team. Kohberger faces charges

Emergency responders at the scene of a bus accident in Thailand

Tragic Bus Crash Claims Lives in Thailand

News Summary In a tragic accident on Highway 304 in Prachin Buri, Thailand, a bus carrying local government officials overturned, resulting in at least 18

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!