News Summary
In a tragic event, 12-year-old Kelaia Turner attempted suicide after enduring prolonged bullying at Dr. Phinnize J. Fischer Middle School in Greenville County. Her family has since filed a federal lawsuit against the school district. Kelaia’s mother details the relentless torment her daughter faced, highlighting systemic failures in addressing bullying. The case has raised community awareness, with the Turner family now advocating for anti-bullying measures through their nonprofit, Kelaia’s Kause.
Greenville County, SC – A Tragic Story of Bullying and a Family’s Fight for Justice
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 12-year-old girl, Kelaia Turner, from Dr. Phinnize J. Fischer Middle School in Greenville County, has become the face of a tragic story that could no longer be ignored by the community. After experiencing relentless bullying, Kelaia attempted suicide on March 17, 2023, an incident that has led her parents to file a federal lawsuit against the school district.
A Bright Star Dimmed
Kelaia’s mother, Ty Turner, recounts how her daughter was a bright and ambitious child with a passion for the arts, a joy that began to fade when she entered sixth grade. The bullying started rather innocuously in August 2021, but quickly escalated into something much more sinister. Classmates began hurling derogatory names at Kelaia, referring to her as “a man” and “roach,” names that no child should ever have to hear.
Turning a Corner
Ty believes the situation worsened significantly when Kelaia decided to wear her natural hair to school. What should have been a celebration of individuality became ammunition for bullies. Disturbingly, a teacher reportedly joined the fray, pointing out Kelaia in a derogatory manner when a student asked where “the roach” was. This is not just bullying from peers; it highlights a concerning failure at various levels of responsibility.
A Reign of Harassment
According to the lawsuit, Kelaia endured 15 long months of continued bullying that included physical fights and consistent harassment. After a particularly intense clash with one of her bullies in March 2022, only Kelaia was suspended, leading her parents to question whether the school was adequately protecting their child. Unfortunately, things did not improve; Kelaia faced incidents like classmates throwing water on her clothes and even discarding her belongings. With each passing day, her spirit broke further.
The Breaking Point
By March 11, 2023, Kelaia was open about her feelings, confiding in a friend about her suicidal thoughts—a clear cry for help that should have raised alarms. Less than a week later, the unimaginable happened; Kelaia was found hanging in her bedroom and was unresponsive for a staggering eight minutes before paramedics could bring her back.
A Life Forever Changed
The aftermath of this tragic incident has been harrowing. Kelaia spent 101 days in the hospital, with 31 of those days in the ICU. The toll it has taken on her has been severe; she suffers from brain damage and is now wheelchair-bound, requiring constant care. During her hospital stay, the cruelty of some classmates continued as they reportedly visited her, taking photos while she lay in a coma, later circulating these images on social media.
A Fight for Justice
The Turner family has not taken this incident lightly. They have filed a lawsuit against the Greenville County School District, along with the middle school and individual employees, claiming negligence and a lack of action in protecting Kelaia from the bullying she faced. In the face of this tragedy, the school district stands by its claim that all bullying reports were investigated according to policy, a statement that many in the community find hard to swallow.
Advocating for Change
The Turner family is using this painful experience as a platform for change. They have started a nonprofit called Kelaia’s Kause to raise awareness and promote preventative measures against bullying. Yet, it appears they are not alone; further investigations have revealed that other lawsuits against the Greenville County School District concerning bullying have surfaced, indicating a concerning pattern.
This tragic tale reminds each of us that bullying can have devastating effects. As the Turner family continues their fight for justice, they also inspire many to speak up against bullying, ensuring that no child ever feels alone in the face of such darkness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Family Fights Against Bullying After Daughter’s Suicide Attempt
Greenville County Community Reacts to Tragic Bullying Incident
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Kelaia Turner’s Story
- People: Kelaia Turner’s Recovery
- Bossip: Lawsuit Against Greenville County Schools
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- Google Search: Effects of Bullying
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
