May 30, 2015

Daniel Briggs - a victim of bullying in New York State

Daniel Briggs
Daniel Briggs, age 16, died on March 3, 2014, at his home in La Fargeville, New York State.

Although this tragedy occurred over a year ago, it is pertinent now - today.

Daniel committed suicide. After a day of bullying at school he went home and shot himself.

The teen years generally are a bad mix of hormones, sexuality, emotions, mouthiness, insecurity, frustration, rebellion and fumbling to understand one's place in the world. These years can be difficult for many teenagers and particularly so for those who are bullied.

Daniel attended 1000 Islands High School in Clayton, New York.

Daniel was a normal high school kid who had a soft side to him. He wasn't into team sports. He was into hunting and trapping which labelled him as an odd dude by his peers at school. He was kind and helpful to a neighbor who was suffering from cancer. He did his best. He was just a decent kid trying to survive.

He was bullied about his interest in guns and hunting and even about his choices in music. This escalated into him being punched in the stomach and having bits of garbage and food thrown in his face. He was pushed and shoved in the hallways of the school. The bullying also went so far as other students forcing him to lick a school bus window.

And then of course, there were the social media harangues and texts such as "Why
Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, who
said "I am ground like a grain
of wheat", pray for Daniel and for
all who are ground down by
bullying.
don’t you take one of your precious guns and do the world a favor and go kill yourself.”

Daniel told that bully he was going to kill himself. He also told numerous others on the day of his death that he wanted to kill himself and other students in this class and on the school bus.

Despite being driven to desperation, Daniel did not injure others. Tragically, he shot himself.

Amy Briggs, Daniel's mother, had stated: "Don't let anyone be treated like my son. When you know there is someone being bullied, don't be a bystander. You are just as guilty as the bullies when you stand by and do nothing."

The school board of this school district has stated that they will institute anti-bullying programs in their schools. Many local residents believe that this should have been undertaken years ago and that the school board has been lax in addressing this escalating issue.

To any teens 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 and scorned.
~There is never anything cool about human suffering.

If you are considering ending your life or if you just need someone to talk to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, day or night. A skilled counselor will be able to help you.

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

Daniel is survived by many loving friends and family members including his parents, Amy and Robbie; and his brother, Michael.

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

God save us from those who take joy in tormenting others. They are killing us, Father.

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

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think if there's proof of the bully chasing the child to suicide then he should be charged and held accountable to assisted suicide.. Otherwise they go free. A bully obviously doesn't have caring parents so they're not going to get in trouble. Kicking them out of school lets them terrorize the streets. It makes it worse!!! Bullys deserve bars!!! The patents deserve hefty fines!!! NOW THAT IS AN ANTI BULLY PROGRAM!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with anonymous above. There has to be proof of the bully/ies in this tragic case. They need to start giving jail time &/or prison to bullies! If my child was a bully, I'd kick their a$$, they wouldn't sit for a week! Give the scum multi jobs non stop, giving their sorry a$$ something to think about! There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with hunting! So many people hunt, so what could be the big deal? Must be jealousy!!!! I am so sorry this had a tragic ending for this young man and his family. It makes me sick! RIP Daniel Briggs.