Baily O’Neill, a 12-year-old boy who was bullied and beaten at his Pennsylvania school, has died. He was taken off of life support on Sunday, March 3 just days after his twelfth birthday.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, O’Neill was a sixth grader at Darby Township School in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He was allegedly bullied by classmates, one in every of whom punched O’Neill within the face, breaking his nose and causing a major concussion. Soon after, O’Neill began having seizures and was put right into a medically induced coma.

Stephen Butz, superintendent for the Southeast Delco School district, has released an announcement expressing condolences and assuring the general public that the college district is operating with authorities to research the death.

The statement, in full:

Dear Southeast Delco School Community,

Late yesterday, we were informed concerning the death of Bailey O’Neill. Bailey was a sixth grade student at Darby Township School. Our college community is deeply saddened by this loss. Our condolences are with Bailey’s friends and family in this very difficult time.

Additional counselors were made available to help our students and staff with the feelings across the death of Bailey.

The school district continues to work with local authorities of their investigation into the reason for Bailey’s death.

During this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Bailey’s friends and family.

Stephen D. Butz, Ed.D.
Superintendent

The Inquirer report states that there’s video of the bullying incident during which O’Neill was punched. The Delaware County District Attorney’s office is investigating the incident, and an autopsy will reveal more in regards to the explanation for O’Neill’s death.

(Image courtesy the Prayers for Bailey O’Neill Facebook page)