Vangelis Giakoumakis - a 20 year old bullied to death in Greece

Vangelis Giakoumakis

Vangelis Giakoumakis, age 20, went missing on February 6, 2015, from his dorm room at the Dairy School at Ioannina in Greece.

He walked out of his room, leaving behind his wallet, his phone and his jacket despite the single digit temperatures.

It is speculated that Vangelis committed suicide that same day.

Many search parties were sent out to find Vangelis but were unsuccessful. His family was sick with worry.

His body was found on March 15, 2015, in a swampy area of the Municipal lake of Ioannina, 800 meters from the Dairy School he attended. A knife was beside his body and there were cuts to his wrist. He died of blood loss.

Vangelis was from Rethymno on the island of Crete.

Vangelis was a victim of vicious bullying and harassment by adult students at the School he attended. Many of these students were from farming communities on his home island of Crete. The bullying started in 2014.

Vangelis was shy and introverted and his colleagues thought that he wasn't "manly enough" or that he was gay.

Vangelis was locked in a cupboard and forced to sing like a jukebox when coins were

Father, place Vangelis on the Stairway to
Heaven.

placed in the cupboard. He was harassed in the showers and pushed down stairs. He was led around by a towel around his neck. He was often afraid to leave his room at night.

The Dairy School was aware of the harassment because Vangelis asked to change his dorm room. They informed his family that he appeared to be depressed.

When he spoke to his mother he downplayed the issue not wanting to worry her.

Apparently the bullying subsided but picked up again just days before his disappearance.

An investigative team has recommended that the Head of the Dairy School be fired and that the potential criminal responsibility of faculty members be investigated.

Where is the responsibility of the students who bullied Vangelis to death? Who raised these bullies - wolves?

To any teens or young adults who are reading this:
~ Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.
~ Do not contribute to another's downfall. Tomorrow or five years from now, it could be you who is being humiliated.
~There is nothing cool about human suffering.

If you are considering ending your life or if you just need someone to talk to, call the Suicide Hotline in your country. Greece has a hotline and so does every civilized country. You can find the number on the Internet. Skilled counselors will be able to help you.

Vangelis' loved ones are devastated over his tragic and unnecessary death. He will be forever mourned.

Vangelis is survived by many loving friends and family members who will forever miss him.

Pray for all who are tormented.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

Pray that Vangelis is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.