Family Says Son Took Own Life Due to Bullying at School
Lamar Hawkins’ parents say physical and emotional abuse by other students contributed to the death of their child.
The parents of Lamar Hawkins say their son fatally shot himself in his school’s bathroom because he was bullied by other students.
“[Lamar] was physically and emotionally abused while at school,” said Shaniqua Hawkins, Lamar’s mother, this past Monday. “Many students would be just down right cruel to him,” according to a report by WFTV.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said it is unclear what role bullying played in the student’s death. The sheriff’s office also said that they are still investigating the bullying allegations.
Related Article: Q&A With a Suicide Prevention Expert
Lamar took his own life in a bathroom stall at Greenwood Lakes Middle School with his father’s gun last Thursday.
Investigators said that it is uncertain how Lamar gained access to the gun.
“We are still investigating the facts leading up to this tragedy and I can tell you that Mr. Hawkins’ firearm was stored with full compliance of Florida law,” said Matt Morgan, attorney for the Hawkins family.
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Observable signs of depression (unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, psychic pain and inter tension; withdrawal; sleep problems)
- Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
- Making a plan (giving away prized possessions; sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm; obtaining other means of killing oneself, such as poisons or medications)
- Unexpected rage or anger
Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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