South Brunswick Community Celebrates Life Of Emily Murillo

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — It was a day filled with love, laughter, and "kindness." On Sunday, the South Brunswick community came together to celebrate the life of Emily Michaela Murillo who died before she could graduate from high school.

At the celebration, attendees dressed in blue — Emily's favorite color. Messages of kindness were written on the sidewalk, as community members gathered to support the bereaved family. In a moving speech, Emily's mother Erin Popolo thanked the community and beyond for the "outpouring of love and support."

"Her story has gotten far more attention than I ever could have imagined, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude," Popolo said.

Emily's life was cut short on Jan. 29, when her car plunged into the Delaware & Raritan Canal near Suydam Road, Franklin Park. On June 22, Popolo attended the graduation ceremony with her daughter's ashes but was left disappointed after the school district failed to acknowledge Emily during the ceremony.

Read More Here: Mom Takes Child's Ashes On Stage To Get NJ High School Diploma

Confectionately Yours, a Franklin Park restaurant that the family frequently visits, decided to host a celebration for Emily after reading about Popolo's experience.

Read More Here: Celebration For South Brunswick Teen Who Died Before Graduation

Emily was a special education student who was bullied in school, according to her mother, and her death ruled a suicide. At the event, Popolo spoke about bullying and the toll it takes on families.

"It is our family’s prayer that the lessons of Emmy’s too short life will not only help bring awareness of the unbearable pain caused by bullying but lead to real and lasting change to the way schools, young people, and the greater community treat those who are different," Popolo said.

In her speech, Popolo said bullying was "too gentle a word" to describe the intimidation and harassment victims face on a regular basis.

"I sometimes think bullying is too gentle a word to describe what it really means: harassment, intimidation, and victimization. We can and we must do better by our children," Popolo said.

"Today’s event gives me tremendous hope."

Here are some pictures from the event celebrating Emily's life. All photos courtesy of Erin Popolo.

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