Being bullied in school can make kids feel lonely, scared, and sad. However, the impacts of bullying can be worse than you could possibly imagine. The victims of bullying are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts, eventually causing them to take their own lives.
Moments before Sam killed himself on July 15 at Chertsey railway station, the year nine student from Salesian School, in Chertsey, Surrey, handed his school bag and phone to his friends.
After leaving his stuff behind, Sam climbed down and lay down on the tracks in front of his more than 50 classmates, who were waiting on the platform at the time to catch the train. Horrifying, the teenager was then run over by a rush-hour train approaching the station.
Sam’s classmates screamed, cried, and called out his name as they saw him being fatally hit by the train with their very own eyes.
Officers were called to the railway station at 4 p.m., but paramedics attending to Sam pronounced the boy dead at the scene. “His family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers,” British Transport Police said.
A scrawled note, believed to be a suicide note, was reportedly found nearby.
Sam was said to be bullied at school. A friend of his revealed to news outlets that he would sit by himself at break time.
“Sam was being bullied at school but I don’t know how. Lots of children are bullied but it must have been horrendous for him to resort to this,” a family friend said.
The distressed scene left the students terrified. Salesian School would be hosting several assemblies to help students cope with the tragedy.
“We were devastated to find out that, following an incident at Chertsey station, one of our Year 9 students died,” head teacher James Kibble said in a statement. “This is an incredibly difficult situation for everyone, but knowing the faith, compassion and strength of our school community, I am confident that we will work together to support one another.”
“We would ask that our community joins together to remember the student and their family in their prayers at this incredibly sad time,” Kibble continued.
Following the tragic incident, people have been placing flowers and notes for Sam at the railway station. One of the tributes read: “So sorry that life wasn’t kinder to you sweetheart. RIP Angel.”
It’s devastating to know that some kids are so tormented by bullies that suicide became an option for them to end their pain. This should never happen. Hopefully, steps will be taken by schools worldwide to address bullying among children.
Our thoughts are with the Connor family during this difficult time.
If bullying leads to you, or someone you know, thinking about suicide, please call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to seek support. Remember, you’re not alone, as there’s always someone out there who cares.
