A
boy in a medically induced coma shortly after being punched on the schoolyard
in what his family called a bullying incident has died, officials confirmed.
Bailey O'Neill, had just turned 12 Saturday. He
was taken off life support Sunday.
"Late yesterday, we were informed about the
death of Bailey O'Neill," Stephen Butz, superintendent of the Southeast
Delco School District wrote in a statement this morning.
"Our school community is deeply saddened by
this loss. Our condolences are with Bailey's family and friends during this
very difficult time."
O'Neill, a sixth-grader at Darby Township
School, was put in a medically induced coma after he began having seizures. The
seizures began after another student allegedly punched him on the schoolyard on
Jan. 10.
At the time, family members said two students
were bullying the boy when one of them punched Bailey in the face, breaking his
nose and causing a concussion.
O'Neill was checked out by doctors at DuPont
Hospital in Delaware and released, but a few days later, he started having the
violent seizures.
Butz, the superintendent, said the district was
cooperating with Darby Township police, who were investigating the incident.
No charges were ever filed, and officials never
released details of the altercation, nor directly connected the seizures with
the schoolyard incident. However, it is not clear whether the death could alter
that.
The office of Delaware County District Attorney
Jack Whelan is investigating the incident, which was recorded by surveillance
cameras.
Emily Harris, a spokeswoman for Whelan's office,
called it an "active, ongoing investigation.
She said an autopsy will be performed and more
information could be released following that.
The office is still assessing the video of the
incident. The video shows O'Neill and a second boy involved in the incident. A
third boy seen on the video did not take part in a physical act, according to
authorities.
Meanwhile, the district is bringing in
counselors for students.
"During this time, our thoughts and prayers
are with Bailey's family and friends," Butz said in his statement, which
was issued on the district website.
O'Neill was also remembered this morning on the
social networking site, Facebook, where a page was erected in his honor after
the incident became widely publicized.
"First of all I want to say the battle
isn't over we will remember Bailey always and we will continue this fight until
Bullying is eradicated," said a post on the Prayers for Bailey O'Neill
Facebook page, which is not run by the family.
"With the heaviest heart we want to inform
you all that Bailey has gone to be with the Lord please, please, please
continue to pray for his family and continue on this fight for us until no
child ever has to face a situation like this again. God Bless You all thank you
so much!"
No comments:
Post a Comment