Nigel Hardy, 13, Commits Suicide After Being Bullied For Being A Male Cheerleader

Another bullied teen took his life on Monday: Nigel Hardy, age 13, had been bullied due to his participation in an extracurricular activity he loved, cheerleading.

According to
The Los Angeles Times, Hardy punched another boy, who was harassing him about cheer leading, which led to suspension from Hillview Middle School in Palmdale, California. On Monday, following the suspension, Nigel Hardy’s father went to authorities after finding a suicide note and his handgun missing.Hardy’s body was later found 20 miles from his home with a gun nearby.
As we mourn this week’s large senseless acts, we must work to prevent the smaller acts of intolerance happening every day. Stand up to bullying, offer a sympathetic ear, be open to talking about and accepting our differences.