Another Teen Takes His Life

Jim Burroway

December 8th, 2011

The bullying got so bad, friends say, that Jacob Rogers dropped out at Cheatham County Central  High School in Ashland City, Tennessee, just a few miles northwest of Nashville. He took his own life Wednesday:

“He started coming home his senior year saying ‘I don’t want to go back. Everyone is so mean. They call me a f****, they call me gay, a queer,'” friend Kaelynn Mooningham said.

Kaelynn said her friend Jacob felt ignored.

“Jacob told me no one was helping him. He constantly was going to guidance,” she said.

The school says they were only aware of one bullying incident, and said they intervened. But the fact that Jacob quit going to school around Thanksgiving should have been a red flag. Jacob’s grandmother, who was his primary guardian, found some notes Jacob let behind which included passwords to his email and phone to allow investigators to determine why he killed himself.

For more information on suicide prevention, research and help-seeking resources, see the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). If you or someone you know needs help, see The Trevor Project’s web site or call the Trevor Lifeline: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).

Regan DuCasse

December 8th, 2011

Dear God…
I have no words today. I really don’t.

JoAnn Egan Neil

December 8th, 2011

Where are the grown-ups in all of this? Why couldn’t/didn’t someone put an arm around this young man and help him?! It’s unforgivable and so very, very sad. We have all got to step up and step in.

Sean

December 8th, 2011

When is it going to stop?

Reed Boyer

December 9th, 2011

“Everyone is so mean.”

I just want to scream, and I don’t know if it’s from the pain of identification, or anger at the silence of admin, or simply because my heart breaks a little more every time one of these reports surfaces.

Rob in San Diego

December 9th, 2011

R.I.P brother…

Marc Adams

December 10th, 2011

This is why HeartStrong’s Youth Empowerment Project is so important. Unfortunately the time for help has passed for some but HeartStrong is committed to doing everything possible to reach these youth.

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