Bullying Accusations Investigated After Girl, 10, Found Dead

SANTA ANA, CA —Undertones of bullying are being investigated after a 10-year-old girl was found dead in her family's home Sunday.

According to Santa Ana Police Department officials, the girl died of an apparent suicide, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounded her death, including whether she was being bullied.

"Any time a young person takes their own life, concerns of bullying come into the picture," Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told Patch.

On Sunday evening, the girl's 9-year-old sister found her body in the family residence in the 1500 block of North Newhope Street, Bertagna said. Family identified the child as Allison Ruth Wendel,in a GoFundMe established during their time of loss.

Bertagna told Patch there was no note left at the scene.

Special investigators are reviewing the girl's social media interactions on electronic devices, Bertagna added. The case sent shockwaves through the community.

"I can't think of a time we've had a 10-year-old commit suicide," Bertagna told Patch.

Officials with the Garden Grove Unified School District said counselors were on hand at Hazard Elementary School in response to the girl's death, Monday and Tuesday. Santa Ana police and their department K-9 were also at the school, Tuesday, offering support to students.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our students," district officials wrote in a statement. "Crisis counselors continue to support the school to ensure students and staff have emotional support during this very difficult time.

"Santa Ana police have informed us that they are assessing any and all factors that may have contributed to this tragedy. While the media has reported rumors of bullying, SAPD has not yet concluded its investigation to determine what might have contributed to this action. We are working collaboratively with SAPD, awaiting the results of their investigation."

The district noted that the school has a longstanding Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program and "takes a proactive approach to promote a positive school culture."

"Hazard Elementary, as well as the district as a whole, are committed to our district's Goal 2, developing personal skills in students, which includes their socio-emotional wellness and a warm and welcoming climate at school.

Recently, the district launched a Choose Wellness Campaign aimed at increasing awareness and ensuring all students, staff and families have access to mental health and wellness support. Our district has a plethora of mental health resources and is committed to ensuring all students have a safe place to turn for emotional support."

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities released no other details about the girl.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, help is available with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Menace Of Bullies: Patch Advocacy Reporting Project

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

Email us at bullies@patch.com and share your views in the comments.
Selected Stories From The Project

• Bullied To Death: When Kids Kill With Words
• I Could Have Been Mallory Grossman
• Bullied Over Homemade T-Shirt, Kid Inspires University Of Tennessee Design
• Howell Teen Runs To Save Lives, Change Statistics On Suicide
• America's Shameful Truth About School Shooters And Bullying
• Cyberbullying Most Often Affects Girls; These Women Are Trying To Stop It
• Bullying Kids: Straighten Up, Or Your Parents May Have To Pay Up
• Teen Who Killed Himself Wasn't 'Worthless,' Family Tells Bullies
• Menace Of Bullies: Why This Woman Resigned Her 6-Figure Job

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.

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