The family of a Staten Island teen who took his own life says administrators at the school he attended did not do enough to stop his classmates from bullying him. However, school officials say they "did everything in their power" to stop the harassment.
The Diocese of Brooklyn forwarded NBC New York a note sent to parents announcing the death of Daniel Fitzpatrick who was a 7th grader at Holy Angels Catholic Academy. Fitzpatrick's older sister found the 13-year-old's body in the attic of their West Brighton home Thursday around 5:30 p.m., according to the Daily News.
Fitzpatrick’s parents provided the Daily News a note written by him last month. “I gave up,” the teen wrote. “The teachers they didn’t do anything.”
The Daily News reported that the letter was written after the school returned a $100 re-registration fee. The publication reported that the school recommended the teen repeat the seventh grade at another school.
"I wanted to get out, I begged and I pleaded," the letter said. "Eventually I did. I failed, but I didn't care. I was out. That's all I wanted."
His parents told the Daily News boys at the school bullied Fitzpatrick about his weight and grades. They also said classmates threw balls at him during gym class.
Carolyn Ersta, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Brooklyn, said in an emailed statement to NBC New York the boy’s complaints about bullying “did not fall upon deaf ears.”
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“The principal and teachers truly cared for Daniel and did everything in their power to help him. The school provided counseling for Daniel, suspended students accused of bullying him, and met with those students' parents,” Ersta said. “The principal also met, one-on-one, with every member of Daniel's class to work toward bullying prevention and conflict resolution. NYPD officers were brought into the school to conduct a bullying prevention training program for teachers and parents as well 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes.”
School officials said Fitzpatrick was provided counseling through the school. Under state guidelines, counselors can conduct up to three therapy sessions with a student before they are required to get permission from parents. When his guidance counselor reached out to his parents for permission, they decided not to continue therapy.
How and when the family contacted school officials is not clear. However, it is clear that the family is torn by the loss.
Fitzpatrick's father said in a Facebook Live video Saturday he was "heartbroken," and that he was wearing his son shoes.
"For the rest of my life I will wear these shoes," said the teen's father, Daniel Fitzpatrick, said in tears.
Fitzpatrick's mother started a GoFundMe "to give Daniel a proper memorial,” and “help our family lay our beautiful baby boy to rest.” The fundraiser, which launched with a $10,000 goal, raised more than $105,000 from more than 2,700 donors in three days.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
