City, School Officials Highlight Resources Amid Recent Suicides, Including 10 Year Old

PHILADELPHIA – The School District of Philadelphia is in mourning after three recent student suicides, with one student being just 10 years old.

Malik James Kelly, 10, of Philadelphia, was the first of three students to take their own lives. Kelly died on May 11, according to his obituary.

Kelly was a student Samuel Pennypacker Elementary School in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia.

NBC10 reports two other students – a 14-year-old girl from a Northwest charter school and an 18-year-old male from Howard Horace Furness High School in South Philadelphia – took their lives on May 14 and May 17, respectively.

"Suicide is a national public health issue. Anytime we lose a child in this city to suicide, we all mourn," a statement from School District of Philadelphia and City of Philadelphia officials said. "We must ensure that all young people, no matter their circumstances, know that there are people and resources to help them in times of despair. There are always ways to seek assistance and make a situation better."

In its statement, the city and district said anyone in need of need immediate help can text 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255).

"Our collective goal is the health and well-being of the young people of Philadelphia," the statement said. "Suicide affects everyone and we all can be a part of the solution to prevent it."

Kelly's mother, Tynisha Kelly, told 6ABC her song hanged himself and left a note saying bullying led to this tragic end.

"Talk to your kids," Tynisha Kelly told the outlet, "let them know that bullying and picking on is not cool, and if they are being bullied open up, don't hold that stuff in."

According to the CDC, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people between 10 and 14 years old and is the second leading cause of death for people 15 to 34 years old.

The district said it has communicated with principals, counselors, teachers and parents about how students can best handle situations where they feel intimidation, loss of power or depression.

In addition, the district is working with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health Intellectual disAbility Services to ensure the collective goal is the health and well-being of the young people of Philadelphia.

You can see Malik "Meeko" Kelly's obituary online here.

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