Family seeks justice for South Carolina 6th grader who survived suicide attempt

Kelaia Turner, a beautiful 12-year-old girl from South Carolina, attempted suicide after enduring relentless bullying.

South Carolina girl endured unhinged bullying

The 6th grader miraculously survived after being clinically dead for eight minutes and was in the hospital for more than three months.

Kelaia suffered severe brain damage and is now receiving round-the-clock care from her parents.

Her mother created a GoFundMe to help pay for a wheelchair-accessible van and ongoing medical care.

Kelaia spent 101 days in the hospital, including 31 in the ICU, according to the GoFundMe.

Unhinged behavior

After the suicide attempt, the bullying against Kelaia continued.

While Kelaia was in the ICU, one of her classmates visited her, and then took photos of her. After the student called another student, “one of the two minors” circulated the pictures on social media and “assisted in spreading rumors about [Kelaia’s] injuries.”

Bullying Lawsuit

Kelaia’s parents have had enough and have filed a lawsuit, reports PEOPLE.

The suit names their daughter’s South Carolina school in Greenville County, her teacher and other defendants, claiming their reports of bullying went unresolved.

The lawsuit, obtained by PEOPLE, details one particular incident that allegedly involved Kelaia’s teacher.

On Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, fellow students called Kelia a man and roach in the teacher’s class. “The teacher was complicit in the bullying and said nothing to the other students to stop it”, according to the suit. One student allegedly asked, ‘Where’s the roach?’ and the teacher allegedly pointed to Kelaia.

In a separate instance, students in another classroom allegedly “played a song and video on YouTube called ‘The Black People Song,’ ” the complaint said.

“Defendant allowed the song to be played without any comment on its offensiveness, nor any reprimand to or discussion with the student who played it,” according to the complaint.

Kelaia’s parents “continually complained” and brought attention to the bullying and harassment, according to the complaint. But, her mother wrote in the fundraiser that “despite our efforts to address the issue, nothing changed.”

The fight for justice for Kelaia Turner

Now, the Turner family is seeking justice for the once “joyful and talented” girl, who now uses a wheelchair and is non-verbal.

“We are fighting for Kelaia’s healing and well-being every day, believing that she has a purpose and that her story can inspire others.”

The family is seeking support to help their daughter “not only survive but thrive”, through donations for a wheelchair-accessible van, medical needs, and home care.

“If you cannot donate, wearing butterflies in solidarity with her would mean the world.”

To donate, visit the GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.