Kelaia Turner Suicide Attempt: South Carolina Girl’s Survival After Suicide Attempt Highlights Greenville County Schools Scandal

Kelaia Turner Suicide Attempt: A tragic story of survival and resilience, Kelaia Turner’s near-fatal suicide attempt at just 12 years old has brought to light allegations of negligence and systemic failure within Greenville County Schools. Her family is now pursuing justice through a lawsuit, seeking accountability for the bullying and harassment that preceded the life-altering event.

The Tragic Events Leading to Kelaia Turner’s Suicide Attempt

On March 17, 2023, Kelaia Turner, then a 12-year-old middle school student in South Carolina, attempted suicide after enduring more than a year of relentless bullying. The traumatic incident left her with severe brain damage, requiring round-the-clock care from her family.

Her parents allege that Greenville County Schools and specific administrators failed to address the bullying she faced. According to the lawsuit, incidents of harassment were not only ignored but enabled by staff.

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Allegations Against Greenville County Schools

  • Teacher Misconduct: A teacher, Olivia Bennett, allegedly permitted bullying in her classroom. One incident described in the lawsuit involved students mocking Kelaia with names like “man” and “roach.” When asked, “Where’s the roach?” Bennett reportedly pointed to Kelaia.
  • Offensive Behavior Allowed: Another instance involved students playing a racially offensive song, The Black People Song, in class without any intervention from the teacher.
  • Inaction on Reports: Despite reports of bullying from Kelaia and her family, the school administration allegedly failed to take meaningful action to protect her.

Kelaia’s Hospitalization and Recovery

After her suicide attempt, Kelaia was found unresponsive by her mother, Ty Turner. Paramedics initially detected no pulse or heartbeat. She spent 31 days in the ICU and a total of 101 days in the hospital, fighting for her life.

Adding to the family’s pain, a classmate reportedly took pictures of Kelaia in the ICU and shared them on social media, spreading rumors about her condition.

The Family’s Fight for Justice

The Turners’ lawsuit alleges systemic negligence by Greenville County Schools, accusing the administration of failing to provide a safe environment and protect Kelaia from bullying. The family’s legal action seeks accountability for these alleged failures, which they believe contributed to the tragic event.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Kelaia’s ongoing medical needs. Her story has sparked a broader conversation about bullying, mental health, and the responsibility of schools to protect their students.

Conclusion

Kelaia Turner’s story is one of both tragedy and resilience, shedding light on critical issues within school systems. Her family’s pursuit of justice aims to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Kelaia’s community and supporters continue to rally around her, raising awareness of bullying’s devastating impact and the need for systemic change.

For those in need of support, resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) are available 24/7 to provide help and guidance.

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