A nine-year-aged’s goodbye echoed through a memorial service in January as she told her older sister she loved her. “Fly high my angel,” she said.
12-Year-Old’s Death Prompts Calls for Bullying Prevention
Lexi Blackwood, 12, died by suicide, according to her family. Her father, Ryan Marshall, stated that Lexi was once confident and outgoing, but this changed when she entered middle school.
“She was so confident until she started facing harassment and bullying on a daily basis,” Marshall said. “It basically chipped away her confidence until it was very well zero, and here we are today.”
The family reported that Lexi confided in them last October about ongoing verbal harassment, including comments about her appearance. Marshall said the bullying came from students Lexi did not realize.
The family contacted the school for facilitate and was referred to a youth counselling centre. They questioned why the focus shifted to Lexi’s mental health instead of addressing the alleged bullying.
Central Okanagan Public Schools released a statement expressing sympathy to the family, calling Lexi’s death an “unimaginable loss.” The district stated it cannot comment on specifics but follows a provincial safety education framework.
Marshall said the family felt Lexi’s experience was not taken seriously enough. Her grandfather, Dwight Blackwood, noted that some steps were taken, but they did not address the core issue.
Lexi missed two weeks of school due to the severity of the situation. Upon her return, Marshall said communication from the school was minimal.
The family is now advocating for systemic changes, including more proactive mental health resources and regular wellness checks, rather than relying solely on students to seek help.
“We’re hoping for change in the school board,” Marshall said. “More direct resources. Not just two or three options that are completely reliant on the student to reach out themselves.”
The family hopes that by sharing Lexi’s story, they can prevent other families from experiencing similar loss. “If we can stop one other family from going through this,” Marshall said, “that’s our goal.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Lexi Blackwood?
Lexi Blackwood, 12 years old, took her own life, according to her family.
What did Lexi’s father say about the bullying?
Ryan Marshall said Lexi was confident until she began experiencing daily harassment and bullying in middle school, which eroded her confidence.
How did the school respond to the family’s concerns?
The family said the school referred them to a youth counselling centre and they questioned why the focus was on Lexi’s mental health rather than addressing the alleged bullying.
What more can be done to support students facing bullying and mental health challenges?
