In a tragic case of ongoing school bullying leading to an attempted suicide, the family of Kelaia Turner is seeking justice. The 13-year-old South Carolina student, who had been subjected to years of abuse at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School in Greenville County, attempted to take her own life after enduring relentless bullying. The lawsuit filed by Kelaia’s mother, Ty Turner, accuses the school district, its administrators, and faculty members of gross negligence, which ultimately allowed the bullying to escalate to a life-altering event.

A Harrowing Turn of Events

The abuse began when Kelaia was just 11 years old. According to her family, the bullying included constant name-calling, physical abuse, and racial slurs. Kelaia was reportedly taunted with names like “Mustache Face,” “Ugmo,” and “FatBlackUgly,” often in the presence of teachers who failed to intervene. The harassment took both verbal and physical forms, including an incident where her clothes were soaked with water and thrown into the trash.

On March 18, 2023, the situation reached a tragic peak. Kelaia was found hanging in her bedroom, attempting to take her own life after enduring what her family described as years of emotional torment. When her mother arrived at the scene, paramedics fought for eight minutes to revive Kelaia, who had no pulse and displayed signs of severe trauma. Though she survived, the damage was irreversible: Kelaia was left paralyzed, nonverbal, and in need of round-the-clock care.

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An Alleged Vile Act of Mockery

While Kelaia was in a coma, her tormentors allegedly went a step further. According to the lawsuit, two students visited Kelaia in the hospital, where they took photos of her unconscious body and shared them on social media to mock her. One student reportedly assisted in spreading rumors about Kelaia’s injuries, further adding to her family’s suffering.

These actions came in the wake of years of complaints by Kelaia’s mother. She claimed that she had reported the bullying to the school authorities since 2021, but no meaningful action was taken. The school’s response, she said, was that they had a “zero-tolerance policy,” but there was no effective way to enforce it. This failure to act was a key element in the lawsuit filed by the Turner family.

The Lawsuit: Seeking Accountability

Ty Turner’s lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for her daughter but also addressing the failures of the school system to protect students. The family is suing the school district, nine faculty members, and administrators for negligence, seeking both actual and punitive damages. The lawsuit alleges that Kelaia was subjected to persistent harassment, which was ignored by school staff. One incident described in the lawsuit involves a teacher, Olivia Bennett, who allegedly pointed to Kelaia after students called her a “man” and a “roach.”

Despite this, the school district continues to deny the allegations. In a statement to DailyMail.com, Greenville County School District representatives expressed their sympathies for Kelaia but asserted that all reports of bullying were addressed in accordance with school policies. The district denied any negligence in handling the complaints of bullying at the middle school.

The Life Kelaia Led Before the Tragedy

Before the bullying began, Kelaia was described as a bright and talented young girl with a promising future. She was a gifted artist and performer, excelling in gymnastics, dance, chorus, and acting. She had even earned a callback from Nickelodeon, showing immense potential in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Kelaia ran a small business selling handmade jewelry and had recently won a pageant. Her mother described her as having a “huge personality and an effervescent spirit full of humor.”

Sadly, this bright future was overshadowed by the trauma she endured. Ty Turner has shared videos and photos of her daughter from before the tragedy to raise awareness about the consequences of bullying and to honor the memory of the child she once was.

The Aftermath and Call for Awareness

Since the incident, Kelaia’s family has been tirelessly working to raise awareness about the devastating effects of bullying. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with Kelaia’s medical expenses, surpassing its $15,000 goal. Ty Turner’s public plea for justice has helped bring attention to this heart-wrenching case, and she hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent other children from experiencing similar suffering.

As for Kelaia, she continues to face significant challenges in her recovery. After 101 days in the hospital, including weeks in a coma, she remains in a life-changing condition. Her family remains hopeful, but the road ahead is long and difficult.

Conclusion

Kelaia Turner’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked bullying in schools. Her family’s courage in seeking justice will hopefully spark a broader conversation about the need for more robust measures to protect students from harassment and abuse. In Kelaia’s case, the failure to intervene has had tragic consequences. The Turner family’s fight is now not just about their daughter but about holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that no other child suffers in the same way.