June 20, 2015

Kennedy LeRoy - a victim of bullying in Chino Hills, California

Kennedy LeRoy, age 16, died on June 12, 2015, in Chino Hills, California. 

Kennedy LeRoy
Chino Hills is a southeastern suburb of Los Angeles. It has a population of just over 75,000. 

Kennedy had Asperger's Syndrome which is a form of Autism.  It results in significant difficulties in social interaction, poor communication with others and obsessive compulsive patterns of behavior. 

No one knows what causes Asperger's Syndrome but it may be genetic in origin. 

Tragically, Kennedy committed suicide.  

He left a note that stated that: One of the biggest reasons why I killed myself is to prevent suicides…I want to prevent anyone I can from hurting. He also stated that he wanted others to reassess their bullying actions which they conducted for the sake of a laugh.

Kennedy attended Ayala High School in Chino Hills. 

He told his parents that everything was alright at school but this was a facade that he created to protect his parents and to create his own happier world. 

Kennedy suffered from bouts of depression as a result of constant bullying at school.

Kennedy's parents do not blame the school for Kennedy's suicide. They knew that he
Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, who
said: "I'am ground like a grain of
wheat.", pray for Kennedy
and for all who are ground
down by bullying. 
was depressed and that he was the subject of some bullying at school. Kennedy's parents and the school both thought that they were doing the best that they could do under the circumstances.

However Kennedy's parents acknowledge that he was carrying a pain that was too much for him to sustain.

One dude at the school was particularly on Kennedy's case and despite the fact that they had a "no contact" agreement drawn up by the school, the bullying continued.

To any teens who are reading this:
~ Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.
~ Do not contribute to another's downfall. Tomorrow or five years from now, it could be you who is being humiliated and scorned.
~There is never anything cool about human suffering.
~ Regret can last a lifetime.

If you are considering ending your life or if you just need someone to talk to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, day or night. A skilled counselor will be able to help you.

Kennedy's loved ones are devastated over his tragic and unnecessary death. He will be forever mourned. Oceans of tears have been shed for this boy. 

Kennedy is survived by many loving friends and family members including his parents and his siblings.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

God save us from those who torment us. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Kennedy is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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