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Family 'Blindsided' When Little Girl Finds 10-Year-Old Big Sister's Body After Apparent Suicide

NewsPublished Oct 17, 2019
By Genny Glassman
Allison Ruth WendelGoFundMe

Police investigating the death of a 10-year-old in Santa Ana, California, now say bullying may have been to blame. Allison Wendel was found dead at home by her 9-year-old sister on Sunday night of what cops say was an apparent suicide. But after speaking with students at her elementary school, investigators have begun to suspect that she may have been the victim of cyberbullying.

Police have not specified the cause of death but have only confirmed that they believe she took her own life on Sunday.-placeholder
Police have not specified the cause of death but have only confirmed that they believe she took her own life on Sunday.
GoFundMe

Police have not specified the cause of death but have only confirmed that they believe she took her own life on Sunday.

KTLA reports that Allison's younger sister found her body, but there was no note left to explain her actions. Her family later identified the body. 

"She was a beautiful little girl full of happiness and she was always smiling,” her cousin, Bonnie Mesinas, told the station.

As police searched for a reason why the young girl would commit such an act, Allison's classmates pointed to several social media posts.-placeholder
As police searched for a reason why the young girl would commit such an act, Allison's classmates pointed to several social media posts.
GoFundMe

As police searched for a reason why the young girl would commit such an act, Allison's classmates pointed to several social media posts.

“Obviously, it’s not often that you get a 10-year-old that, at this point, appears to be a suicide,” Santa Ana Police Department Public Information Officer Anthony Bertagna told People. “There were some rumors of bullying," he continued, though he clarified that the department has "nothing to substantiate that at this point." 

“I can’t think of a time when I’ve seen a 10-year-old die by suicide. Teenagers, yes, but not this. It’s incredibly sad,” Bertagna noted in a statement.

"We’ve collected all the electronic devices in the family, we’re looking through social media, interviewing her friends, interviewing her neighbors to see what occurred and if bullying was part of that," Bertagna continued.

According to her family, there were no warning signs and everyone was "blindsided" by her death, Allison's aunt said at a vigil Tuesday, Patch reported.

Hazard Elementary School released a statement this week highlighting support programs the district offers its students, staff, and families.-placeholder
Hazard Elementary School released a statement this week highlighting support programs the district offers its students, staff, and families.
GoFundMe

Hazard Elementary School released a statement this week highlighting support programs the district offers its students, staff, and families.

In a statement given to KTLA, school district officials shared that Hazard has a long history of positive behavior intervention and support programs, and that administrators work hard to promote a "positive school culture."

"Hazard Elementary, as well as the district as a whole, [is] committed to our district’s Goal 2, developing personal skills in students, which includes their socio-emotional wellness and a warm and welcoming climate at school," the statement read.

"Recently, the district launched a Choose Wellness Campaign aimed at increasing awareness and ensuring all students, staff, and families have access to mental health and wellness support. Our district has a plethora of mental health resources and is committed to ensuring all students have a safe place to turn for emotional support."

Bertagna said if bullying was a factor in the girl's death, it would be a complicated and delicate matter to prosecute.

Police would first have to determine which students were involved and how old they were before they could factor in charging anyone for Allison's death. 

"Those are all things we would have to submit to the district attorney," Bertagna told KTLA. "Because of the age, that would be an issue."

In the days since her young cousin's death, Mesinas has created a GoFundMe page in her honor to cover funeral costs and provide Allison's sister with mental health support. So far, the family has raised over $14,500 in Allison's memory.

"We lost a great little angel," Mesinas wrote on the campaign page.

Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.

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