Family Of Suicide Victim Files Suit Against West Hartford, Schools

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Attorneys for the family of an 11-year-old Bristow Middle School student, who died by suicide, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Town of West Hartford and West Hartford Public Schools.

The suit was filed late last year, and it is regarding a December 1, 2021 incident that happened in a Bristow restroom late in the morning. After being found unresponsive, the girl died several days later.

The family is being represented by the Bridgeport-based law firm of Jacobs & Wallace.

According to an initial complaint filed against the school system in May 2022 by Jacobs & Wallace, several town and school officials are named.

The plaintiffs allege school officials failed to abide by their policies and didn't do enough to supervise the girl, prevent bullying that led to her death, and failed to notify the family regarding alleged bullying incidents before the girl's death.

School officials, according to the complaint, "failed to provide a safe school climate for the deceased minor."

The plaintiffs claimed school officials "knew or should have known that there was a bullying culture that existed at the school, and failed to take appropriate preventative or corrective measures."

Town of West Hartford Corporation Counsel Dallas C. Dodge issued a statement Tuesday on the situation and its impact on local schools.

“For more than two years, the West Hartford school community has been mourning the tragic death of a child who was a student at Bristow Middle School, and my heart goes out to her family and friends," he said.

"The school system continues to provide counseling and support services to impacted students and teachers, and anyone struggling with feelings of grief, sadness, or anxiety should reach out to a mental health professional for assistance.

"Out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of the surviving family as well as students and teachers affected by this tragedy, the Town of West Hartford will not have further comment regarding this matter."