The household of a homosexual San Diego teenager who dedicated suicide in mid-August say that cyberbullying led to the boy’s loss of life days earlier than the varsity yr began.
Salvador Rios, 14, took his personal life on August 15 after a social media submit allegedly launched a homophobic assault and shared non-public details about him.
‘One submit not solely destroyed my brother’s life, however my life, my household’s life,’ mentioned Salvador’s sister, Aleah Rios, choking again tears as she talked with native media.
‘I really feel like part of my coronary heart is lacking,’ she mentioned.
The San Diego Police Division has since launched an investigation into the bullying and the boy’s loss of life.
Salvador Rios, 14, took his personal life on August 15 after a submit circulated on social media allegedly used homophobic language and shared private and personal particulars about him
‘One submit not solely destroyed my brother’s life, however my life, my household’s life,’ mentioned Salvador’s sister, Aleah Rios, choking again tears as she talked with native media
In response to Salvador’s devastated sister who spoke with ABC 10, an nameless submit was shared on social media on August 15.
The submit got here simply days earlier than {the teenager} was slated to begin eighth grade at Standley Center College in San Diego.
‘Daily, telling his pals, “How are you not excited? I am so excited for varsity to begin,”‘ mentioned Rios of her brother’s readiness to return into the classroom.
That every one modified after the life-changing Instagram submit was shared by somebody who has but to be recognized.
‘Somebody posted an image of him, making very homophobic remarks about him, disclosing private data that he had disclosed solely to a couple people,’ mentioned Rios, explaining the contents of the now-deleted submit.
The one who shared the image and made the homophobic remarks additionally allegedly tagged Salvador’s family and friends so they’d see it.
Inside hours, the teenager boy’s physique was found at a member of the family’s house.
Rios says it wasn’t the primary time Salvador skilled a homophonic assault.
‘I want to see accountability, as a result of my brother deserves justice,’ Rios instructed ABC 10
‘Please take into account what you are posting. You do not know the impression it may have,’ Rios mentioned
Whereas within the sixth grade – simply after he had come out – Salvador was jumped by a number of college students whereas heading house from Marston Center College.
Simply 12 years outdated on the time, Salvador was held down and punched by older college students who yelled homophobic remarks at him.
His household later discovered that he had been experiencing bullying for the reason that starting of the varsity yr. His household then moved him out of Marston and over to Standley.
In response to Rios, Salvador was thriving after the transfer. He joined the talk group and centered his sights on Harvard Legislation College.
‘He lived day-after-day to the fullest. He was supported by his group of family and friends,’ mentioned Rios.
‘The world has misplaced such a powerful, assured, loving boy who may have accomplished superb issues and adjusted many issues,’ she mentioned.
Salvador transferred to Standley Center College in 2021 after he was attacked by older college students at a earlier faculty for being homosexual
A GoFundMe for the teenager’s funeral has raised simply over $7,300
Rios, Salvador’s relations and his pals are actually preventing for change and seeking to present the devastating penalties of their actions.
‘Please take into account what you are posting. You do not know the impression it may have,’ Rios mentioned.
They’re additionally seeking to deliver the particular person or group accountable to justice.
‘I want to see accountability, as a result of my brother deserves justice,’ mentioned Rios.
It is unclear presently if any people have been recognized or punished within the matter.
A GoFundMe has since been launched to assist Salvador’s household cowl the price of a funeral and a memorial for him.
The fundraiser has raised simply over $7,300 of its $10,000 purpose.
Should you or somebody is experiencing ideas of suicide, name 988 to succeed in the 988 Suicide Disaster Lifeline.
