A 14-year-old teen from California has died by suicide after allegedly being bullied for being homeless.
Jose Emiliano Zamora Jr., 14, started school as a freshman at Santa Clara High just three months ago. He was a member of the school's junior football varsity team. However, he has died by suicide on Nov. 6.
His death was confirmed by the Santa Clara Unified School District in a Facebook post made on Nov. 13, a week after the child's death.
"Last week, our community experienced a tragic loss. Our district shares the overwhelming sadness and regret that many in our community have expressed," the post read.
Why Did the Teen Commit Suicide
Speaking with Fox 4 News, Zamora's father, Jose Bautista, said his son took his own life after being bullied by his teammates at Santa Clara High. Some of the 14-year-old's teammates would spit on the teen and hit the back of his helmet.
After his son died, Bautista said other students told him that his son was being bullied by other football players for being homeless, for having no mother, and for living at the Bill Wilson Center after they were evicted from their apartment earlier this year. Bautista said he was trying to find a new home for them in time for the Christmas holidays.
It was noted that Zamora was receiving treatment for mental health concerns at the facility.
"He was trying to be a better child," Bautista said.
How Did the School District Respond?
In a statement, School Superintendent Gary Waddell said Santa Clara High's school administrators have taken "initial actions" and "serious disciplinary action" in response to the bullying allegations and Zamora's death. The superintendent also noted that they do not condone bullying and harassment.
The superintendent did not share what actions they took to investigate or address the bullying accusations.
Furthermore, the superintendent added that they are currently cooperating with the Santa Clara police in its investigation of Zamora's death.
The teen's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to cover funeral costs. As of 4:15 p.m. ET, the campaign has raised more than $132,000.
