Spirit Butler: Freshman, 14, on life support after bullying at school led her to attempt suicide
ST.LOUIS, MISSOURI: A 14-year-old Missouri girl is reportedly on life support after bullying at school led her to attempt suicide earlier this month on August 8. Spirit Butler, a rising freshman at Riverview Gardens High School, was found unresponsive on the floor by her mother Mary Butler. "Spirit was just on the floor. My baby was gone. I am so angry. I am so angry," her mother said, according to KSDK.
The parents of Spirit reportedly made several attempts and had multiple meetings with school staff but it failed to protect their daughter from physical, emotional and online bullying. Mary explained that Spirit started acting out in school to get suspended and avoid being bullied. The mother alleged that her daughter has been bullied since sixth grade.
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Riverview Gardens Schools released a statement regarding the incident. "It is with sadness Riverview Gardens School District learned of a tragic incident involving a scholar. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the scholar and family. Riverview Gardens School District offers its full support to the family during this difficult time. Riverview Gardens School District takes bullying very seriously. While we cannot publicly discuss student matters, the district strives to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for our scholars, and we are committed to supporting students' social and emotional health. We ask the community to pour its energy and support behind the affected family during this time of need."
Mary said doctors are waiting for her word to take the 14-year-old off life support. “My baby is in that hospital and they’re saying she’s not coming home because of this,” Mary said during a Facebook Live broadcast. “My baby’s not gonna be able to be with me in my future. She didn’t deserve this.” “I feel like my baby just gave up,” the mother commented. “My baby hung herself in the closet.”
MEAWW previously reported a similar type of incident where a 12-year-old boy from Utah named Drayke Hardman was reportedly bullied by an anonymous classmate for the previous year before committing suicide in February this year. Drayke took his own life at his Utah home two days later, on February 9, after asking to miss his basketball practice that night. He was brought to the hospital after his sister discovered him, but he died the next morning. Drayke's parents, Samie and Andrew Hardman, said that they tried to help their son by calling the school, which got the accused bully suspended. Drayke was asked how he was feeling and if he had pondered suicide, according to Samie. "And he [said], 'No, no.' It was almost like he was disgusted that I would have even asked him," Drayke's mom recalled the conversation.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).