Rachel Ehmke, Minnesota Teen, Commits Suicide After Months of Bullying
by Free Britney at .Rachel Ehmke, a Minnesota seventh grader, reportedly took her own life as a result of three months of cruel bullying at the hands of her classmates.
Just 13, she was found hanged in her home on April 29 after suffering repeated abuse such as threats, being called a "slut," "prostitute," and worse.
A text message allegedly circulated through the student body three days before her death, encouraging others to pick on her so she'd quit school.
The text, described by a parent as "pretty explicit," came from a student at a different school, officials said. Regardless, it was too much for Ehmke.
Her parents, Rick and Mary Ehmke, said Rachel - who pleaded with them not to report the bullying, so as not to inflame it - left a note that read:
"I'm fine = I wish I could tell you how I really feel."
Somewhat surprisingly, Rick said he's not going to pursue legal ramifications against those whose actions pushed his daughter over the edge.
"They're kids who made horrible decisions. If [they] would've known this would happen I'm pretty sure they never, ever would have done what they did," her dad said.
"Sadly enough, even those kids that know who they are will carry this baggage their whole life. That's a sad thing too, it really is."
Related Stories
-
Jumper Kills 5-Year Old in South Korea -
15-Year-Old Killed Siblings in Utah, Authorities Allege
-
Teacher Fired for Using Word "Negro" in Class?
Comments (13 Total)
ohh Rachel I miss you!! she was my 'locker buddy' we'd talk and laugh she also sat by me in choir! Hun I miss you soo much!!
Rae i miss you so much i wish it did not have to end like this. Everybody misses you so much the person who misses you the most is Faith. R-Rachel's I-In P-Peace
Rachel Ehmke was a good friend of mine and she didn't look sad. She looked happy and joyful that last day at school. She was smiling and laughing. Kasson-Mantorville misses her deeply. People need to stop bullying for her! I miss and Love you Rachel Dee Ehmke. R- Rachel's I- In P- Peace
Yeah, we had sumthin similar towards the end of my high school run back in '01 in erie pa. It was called 'peer mediation' where the bullied student can go to the 'student mediators' and they in turn would go to the bully to schedule a meeting w/ all parties involved. It was a GREAT idea and worked in most cases but unfortunately it never took...shame. I still wonder if they ever brought it back? With all the stuff going on now, i hope they did...
Miss Marielena, I SALUTE you!!! You are such a wonderful inspiration!!! As far as I'm concerned, you REALLY cared about the growth, safety and well-being of your students. And I believe that you still care about those kids. Ma'am...GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!