12-year-old boy commits suicide in the US after being bullied by a schoolmate

Despite efforts made by his family, the week that Hardman decided to take his own life, he arrived with a black eye and decided to lie to his parents so as not to worry them.

Drayke Hardman, a 12-year-old boy from Tooele County, Utah, decided to take his own life after suffering months of bullying from a schoolmate.

According to his parents, Sami and Andrew Hardman, the boy was physically and verbally bullied throughout 2021; reason for which they requested the school authorities to take action, resulting in the suspension of the aggressor.

Additionally, they indicated that they came to talk to Drayke about his state of mind and asked him if he had considered suicide. "He said no and it was like he was upset by the question," his mother said.

The harassment led him to take his own life.

Despite efforts made by his family, the week that Hardman decided to take his own life, he arrived with a black eye and decided to lie to his parents so as not to worry them; However, his sister commented that the young man had told her that "Snitches get punches."

On Wednesday, February 9, Drayke made the final decision to take his own life, and he did so by hanging from the hood of a sweater. That day he told his parents that he didn't want to go to basketball practice.

His sisters found him in his room, and immediately took him to the nearest hospital.

However, the doctors could not do anything and the 12-year-old boy passed away on the morning of Thursday, February 10.

A call to conscience

Through social networks, Sami and Andy Hardman have called for more empathy, love and kindness towards others.

Through Instagram posts they showed the terrible moment they experienced by saying goodbye to their son and indicated that Drayke had a witty personality, blue eyes that won the world and the dream of being an NBA star.

Additionally, they created the hashtag #DoitforDrayke (Do it for Drayke).

Warning signs of school bullying

Recognizing the warning signs of bullying early can make a difference in a child's life.

These are some of the manifestations that could indicate that something is not right

• Unexplained physical injuries.

• Decreased self-esteem.

• Changes in eating habits.

• Difficulty getting to sleep.

• Loss of interest in going to school.

• Low grades.

• Sensation of discomfort or disease simulation.